Whatever is performed in that sacred region remains imperishable and undecaying, untouched by the ravages of time. When one offers gifts there, according to prescribed rule, such a person is honored in the world of Brahmā himself. On the splendid banks of Dharma, in the most excellent lake of Brahmā, and likewise in the great pool of the Kauśikī, whatever is given becomes imperishable, never lost. These holy acts serve as an enduring example for the welfare of all beings, guiding even those who do not believe. There, sins are cast off swiftly, just as a serpent sheds its worn-out skin. To the north, on the banks of the Muñja river, where hosts of Brahmarṣis gather, a man who bathes is freed from the three debts and finds his impurities diminished. Journeying to the northern Mānasa, he attains the highest perfection, gaining both divine pleasures and the means to ultimate liberation. That place is ever thronged with Siddhas and Cāraṇas, and attended by hosts of Devarṣis. There, a learned Brāhmaṇa, upon arriving, is freed even from the sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa, and he properly delivers his ancestors—ten generations before and ten after. All rivers that flow to the ocean are holy, and the ocean itself is especially sacred. In that holy place, the eternal Lord Nārāyaṇa abides among men. By offering śrāddha there with devotion, one delivers all his ancestors. It was in this region that the great god Mahādeva once granted a supreme boon. Pleased, the blessed Lord spoke to the exalted sages, promising, “Endowed with devotion to me, you will attain perfection. I grant you the supreme, eternal status of Gaṇapati.” Whoever gives up his life there is not born again; all their sins are destroyed by Mahādeva himself. In that place, meditation, recitation, and discipline become inexhaustible. The forest of Deodar is holy, attended by the great god, and there are found the sacred bathing places of the Ganga and many shrines. O Suta, the sages asked, you must tell us how the foremost of Brahmins were bewildered in that very place. The sages, with their sons and wives, undertook austerities by the thousands. Great seers performed many kinds of sacrifices and practiced severe penances. When a great fault arose among them, Hara went to the Daru forest, seeking to restore the lost understanding. Shankara, mighty-armed, broad-bodied, and beautiful-eyed, eager in play, moved like an intoxicated elephant, clothed only in the directions. The blessed Lord, smiling and bearing his attributes, approached. Vishnu, taking the form of a radiant woman, followed the wielder of the trident. With a pure smile, anklets ringing, graceful as a swan and exceedingly charming, Hari, by his illusion, wandered through the world begging alms, deluding all. The women, overcome by Māyā, followed the god of gods. Enthralled by desire, they wandered playfully with him, all afflicted by longing, trailing after Hrishikesha.