He who has performed meritorious deeds on earth finds joy in the company of sages in the heavenly realms, delighting in the fruits of his actions. Yet, when his time in heaven concludes, he descends and is born as a lord upon Jambudvīpa, the great continent of mortals. Anchored in truth and righteousness, not only in his deeds but also through the purity of his mind and speech, he continues to accumulate merit. Whether he gives gold, pearls, or other precious gifts, the full benefit of his pilgrimage remains unfulfilled until the destined result is attained. Thus, at all times, a twice-born should remain ever-vigilant in his conduct. Consider, for example, the sacred act of gifting a cow adorned with golden horns, silver hooves, a fine cloth about its neck, and full of nourishing milk. Such an offering ensures that the giver is honored in Rudra’s realm for thousands upon thousands of years. But hear also, as prescribed by the wise sages, the outcome of other actions. If, mounted upon a bull, certain rituals are performed, the ancestors of that person do not receive the customary offerings of water—they are left wanting. Therefore, he must ensure that gifts are given to Brahmins and to all, just as he would wish for himself. Without such generosity, the pilgrimage bears no fruit, and he should refrain even from the first ritual bath. However, when a marriage is performed according to the sages’ ordinance, within the means of one’s wealth, and all duties are observed, that soul, upon departing, journeys to the northern Kurus—a land of immortality—where he rejoices, freed from the bonds of death. Surpassing all worlds, he attains the realm of Rudra, where the guardians of the worlds, the perfected beings, the revered ancestors, and even Hari himself, accompanied by the progenitors, abide. O tiger among kings, know that Prayāga is celebrated throughout the three worlds. To undertake a journey there is to gain merit equal to the great Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. Thus, let your mind be steadfast in its resolve to go to Prayāga, for all sacred places are present there, O scion of the Kurus. The one who relinquishes his life at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna fulfills his highest destiny. Even those who have not reached Prayāga, famed in the three worlds, are liberated from all sins, just as the moon is freed from the shadow of Rahu. By bathing and drinking of its waters, all transgressions are washed away. First, the pilgrim delivers himself, and then he uplifts ten generations of his ancestors and ten of his descendants. He attains the heavenly world, abiding there until the sacred fires of sacrifice are extinguished. Prayāga is revered as the confluence of all oceans and the very foundation of sanctity. With a mind cleansed of all sins, one who bathes there receives the fruit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Within Prayāga lies the holy place called Hamsaprapatana, renowned throughout the three worlds. As long as the sun and moon endure, so long is the devotee honored in heaven. Hear also the reward for one who gives up his life there: he dwells with his ancestors in the heavenly realms, O king. A pure-hearted man who worships at this spot ascends to the world of Brahma, honored for countless millions of years. This place is truly a field of perfection—doubt it not. In heaven, the pilgrim delivers even the gods themselves; for this reason, Prayāga is known as the triple-path. For thousands upon thousands of years, he is venerated in the heavenly realms. And, most wondrous of all, Prayāga grants liberation to all beings, even to those who were the greatest of sinners.