In that sacred region, those who bathe and offer water attain yogic perfection, their spirits uplifted and purified. The merit gained there equals the fruit of performing ten horse sacrifices, a reward rare and esteemed. With a disciplined mind, one who approaches this holy place receives the blessing known as the fruit of the white lotus—a symbol of spiritual elevation. When worship is offered to Brahmā at this site, the devotee is honored in Brahmā’s own world. The very source of the Yamunā River is said to wash away all sins. Bathing in her pure waters, a person ascends to heaven; and if one departs from life there, they are reborn with a vivid memory of their past existences. Should a soul relinquish its life-breath in this sanctified place, it becomes an attendant of Kubera, the lord of wealth. Worshipping the great goddess here bestows the merit of a thousand treasures. According to ancient tradition, purification extends to seven generations on both the paternal and maternal sides. Therefore, offerings to the ancestors—performed with the wish to destroy sin—are especially potent here. Whatever rites or gifts are made in this place are imperishable and undecaying, standing firm through time. Gifts given according to proper rule bring honor in Brahmā’s world. On the bank of Dharma, at the most excellent lake of Brahmā, and in the great pool of the Kauśikī, all offerings are likewise imperishable, their merit everlasting. These holy acts serve as an example to those who do not believe, promoting the welfare of all beings. Here, sin is shed swiftly, just as a serpent casts off its worn-out skin. To the north, on the banks of the Muñja river, which is frequented by hosts of Brahmarṣis, one who bathes becomes freed from the three debts of life, their impurities diminished. Reaching the northern Mānasa, the devotee attains the highest perfection, enjoying divine pleasures and finding the path to liberation. This place is ever vibrant, filled with Siddhas, Cāraṇas, and attended by hosts of Devarṣis. A learned Brāhmaṇa who arrives here is freed even from the grave sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa, and he delivers his ancestors—ten generations before and ten after. All rivers flowing to the ocean are holy, but the ocean itself is most sacred. There, the eternal Lord Nārāyaṇa abides among men. By offering śrāddha with devotion in this place, one delivers all ancestors. It was here that the great god Mahādeva granted a supreme boon. The blessed Lord, pleased, spoke to the exalted sages: “Endowed with devotion to me, you will attain perfection. I grant you the supreme, eternal status of Gaṇapati.” Whoever gives up their life in this sacred place does not take birth again, and all their sins are destroyed by Mahādeva’s grace. Meditation, recitation, and discipline performed here become inexhaustible, their fruits never waning. The forest of Deodar is also holy, attended by the great god himself. There, the sacred bathing places of the Ganga and various shrines are always present. O Suta, you should now recount how he bewildered the foremost Brahmins at this holy site. The sages, together with their sons and wives, engaged in austerities by the thousands. The great seers performed many kinds of sacrifices and undertook severe penances. When a great fault was proclaimed, Hara journeyed to the Daru forest. Shankara went there to restore the lost understanding, guiding the sages back to the path of truth.