O Yudhishthira, the path to the supreme state is reached only through great effort—by acquiring knowledge, practicing yoga, and undertaking pilgrimage. These three, pursued with dedication, grant one access to heavenly realms, and knowledge itself shines forth in all times—past, present, and future. Moved by the teachings, Yudhishthira respectfully asked the great sage, “How has all this been described about Prayaga? Please tell us everything, so that I too may be delivered by this knowledge.” The sage responded, “Hear, O King, all that has been declared about Prayaga: there, Brahma, Vishnu, Ishana, the gods, and the imperishable Lord are ever present. Brahma creates all beings, both immobile and mobile; Vishnu sustains them in the supreme world, and thus all creatures flourish. When the aeon draws to a close, Rudra withdraws the entire universe, yet the holy place of Prayaga never perishes. Whoever perceives the Lord of all beings truly perceives reality; by striving thus, one remains steadfast and attains the highest state. You ask how this tradition endures, and why the foremost beings of the worlds abide here. In Prayaga dwell Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara; listen, O Yudhishthira, to the truth behind their presence. The region of Prayaga extends for five yojanas; the deities remain here to protect it and to ward off evil deeds. To the north of Pratishthana, Brahma abides in disguise, while the Blessed Lord, in the form of Veni Madhava, stands there. The Supreme Lord, having become a great banyan tree, manifests as Maheshvara. The gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and great sages always protect this region, preventing evil deeds from taking root. He who offers oblations here does not see his own sin or hell; thus, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara are ever-present at Prayaga. The seven continents, the oceans, and the mountains of earth remain protected here until the cosmic dissolution. And all the many others who dwell here—whatever exists on earth is established at Prayaga, created by the three deities. This field of Prajapati is renowned as Prayaga; O Yudhishthira, this sacred and pure Prayaga is yours to rule as your kingdom, together with your brothers, O sinless one.” Thus instructed, Yudhishthira, accompanied by his brothers and his wife Draupadi, bowed to the Brahmanas, satisfying his teachers and the gods. At that very moment, Vasudeva arrived, and Madhava was worshipped by all the Pandavas together. With Krishna and all the great souls, Yudhishthira, son of Dharma, was again anointed in sovereign rule. Meanwhile, the great sage Markandeya, having said his farewell, soon returned to his hermitage. Yudhishthira, righteous in soul, remained there with his brothers; after giving great charity, the noble-minded son of Dharma stayed on. Whoever rises early, reads this glory, and remembers Prayaga every day, attains the highest state, is freed from all sins, and goes to the world of Rudra. “My words must be followed, O great king,” the sage said. “Always recite and offer oblations at Prayaga, free from affliction. Remember Prayaga always with us, O Yudhishthira; you yourself, O king of kings, will surely attain the heavenly world—there is no doubt. Whoever goes to Prayaga or dwells there, that person, purified from all sins, attains the world of Rudra. One who refrains from accepting gifts, is content, self-controlled, pure, and free from pride, attains the fruit of pilgrimage. One who is not prone to anger, is truthful, speaks truth, firm in vows, and regards all beings as himself, also attains the fruit of pilgrimage. Sacrifices have been prescribed by seers and gods in due order, but the poor are not able to perform sacrifices. Sacrifices require many implements and materials; only wealthy men can sometimes accomplish them. But, O lord of men, there is a rite that even the poor can perform; know, O Yudhishthira, that it yields merit equal to the fruits of sacrifice. This is the supreme secret of the seers: the meritorious act of pilgrimage to holy places surpasses even sacrifices. Ten thousand holy places and thirty million sacred rivers converge at the Ganga in the month of Magha, O bull among the Bharatas. Be at ease, O great king, and enjoy your kingdom without hindrance; you will see again, O king of kings, the sacrificer in particular.” Having spoken thus, the illustrious and great ascetic Markandeya vanished before King Yudhishthira. Then, together with his companions, the king bathed his limbs there, and, following the prescribed rite, attained supreme contentment. The sage instructed, “So you too, O divine sage, set out for Prayaga; after performing the ablution today, you will have accomplished your purpose.” With these words, Nandisha vanished, and Narada quickly set out towards Prayaga. There, having bathed, recited mantras, performed the prescribed rites, and given gifts to the foremost twice-born, Narada then returned to his own house. At this point, a question arose: “O Lord, how many continents and oceans are there, and how many mountains? How many regions are there, and which rivers are remembered within them? What is the measure of the great earth, and likewise of Lokāloka? Tell also the extent, the dimensions, and the courses of the moon and the sun. Tell us all this in detail, as you know the truth; we wish to hear everything you say.” Thus, the teachings about Prayaga, the merit of pilgrimage, and the mysteries of the earth and heavens were sought, with reverence and eagerness for wisdom.