In that sacred gathering, the sages and brāhmaṇas witnessed a wondrous event. Rudra, the great and ancient Person, appeared before them—manifesting as both the cause of birth and destruction. His presence shone radiantly in the sky, known as 'Vyoma,' illuminating all with a brilliant light. Having ascended Māyā, Rudra, the Lord of gods, revealed himself in his divine form. Those who truly understood this mystery attained immortality. The forest-dwellers, devoted ascetics, once again worshipped Rudra in the ancient Devadāru forest, as had been recounted before. It was said that if Rudra causes the peaceful twice-borns to hear his teachings, they too attain the supreme state. Turning now to the sacred rivers, Narmadā is renowned throughout the world as the foremost among holy waters. For Yudhiṣṭhira, she is especially auspicious, destroying all sins. The greatness of Prayāga and its many sacred places is celebrated, and now, O noble one, her own greatness must be recounted. Narmadā delivers all beings—both immobile and mobile. Listen attentively, for this is an auspicious tale. Whether in village or forest, Narmadā is holy everywhere. Merely by her sight, she instantly purifies even those born from the Ganges. In all three worlds, she is delightful and charming. Those who perform austerities by her banks, O king, attain the highest perfection. By fasting for a single night, a person delivers a hundred families. In her extent, she stretches for two yojanas. Around the mountain, devotees gather at Amarakaṇṭaka. One who has ceased from all harm and delights in the welfare of all beings—hear, O King, the merit and reward that accrues to such a one. Surrounded by hosts of celestial nymphs and attended by divine women, he sports in the world of the gods, rejoicing with the deities. He obtains a dwelling adorned with precious gems, furnished with splendid painted vehicles and attended by male and female servants. There, he enjoys pleasures for more than a hundred years. His progress is unreturning, like the wind in the sky. There is a lake named Jaleshvara, renowned in the three worlds. For ten years, his ancestors are satisfied—of this, there is no doubt. It is situated nearby, shaded by sarala and arjuna trees. At that place, O Yudhishthira, are more than a hundred million sacred bathing spots. Those touched by the waters of the Narmada attain the highest state. At that holy place, a man becomes free from all wounds in an instant after bathing. This was declared long ago by the Lord, desiring the welfare of all worlds. With a mind purified from all sins, he goes to the world of Rudra. Those who dwell on the northern bank reside in the world of Rudra. Bathing and giving charity there are equal, just as Shankara himself has told me. Thus, the greatness of Rudra and the sacred Narmadā are revealed, bestowing blessings and liberation upon all who seek their grace.