Listen, O noble one, to this sacred account: It is taught that devotion to Janardana, the Lord, should be performed even when it stands in opposition to one’s own prescribed duties. Vishnu is not pleased by mere outward conduct; only proper conduct wins His favor. Dharma itself arises from such proper conduct, and its true source is the imperishable One. For those who lack good conduct, even dharmas cannot bring happiness. Whatever questions you have asked, all have been explained. You will easily attain the eternal, supreme Narayana. Yet beware: the wicked one who creates division between two is condemned to hell by the millions. The maker of discord suffers in this world and the next. O King, your forefathers now dwell in hell. But know this: the Ganga indeed destroys all sins. One who is touched by the waters of the Ganga is led to the abode of Vishnu. Freed from all sins, such a soul goes to the dwelling of Hari. Even the actions that bind are destroyed by the sprinkling of drops of the Ganga. Then, the righteous king of justice vanished at once, entrusting the whole earth to his ministers and departing for the forest. On the farthest, snow-covered peak, sixteen yojanas in extent, he performed austerities and brought down the Ganga, purifier of the three worlds. “O revered one,” the king asked, “tell me how the Ganga was brought down; you ought to relate this to me.” Journeying to the Himalaya for austerity, he reached the bank of the Godavari. The region was teeming with black antelopes and herds of elephants. Wild boars roamed freely, and the waving tails of yaks adorned the landscape. Great trees flourished, lovingly tended by the daughters of sages. The place was adorned with mālatī, yūthikā, kunda, campaka, and aśoka flowers. He entered the hermitage of Bhṛgu, which echoed with the great chants of the Vedas and scriptures. There he beheld Bhṛgu, radiant like the sun in his brilliance. Bhṛgu welcomed him with due honor and respect. With joined palms and humility, the king spoke to the foremost of sages, saying, “I ask you, fearful of worldly existence, about the means for the deliverance of people. Therefore, tell me, O all-knowing one; I am worthy of your favor, O ascetic. Otherwise, how could you deliver your entire lineage?” Bhṛgu replied, “One who wishes to deliver should know Hari, who assumes a human form. I shall tell you this, O best of kings; listen with full attention. Always act for the welfare of all beings; never speak falsehood anywhere. Perform the auspicious day and night observance, and remember Vishnu, the eternal one. Chant the twelve- or eight-syllabled mantra; you will attain supreme good.” The king inquired further: “What kind of falsehood is described, and what sort of people are considered wicked? How should Vishnu be remembered, and what is his worship like? O sage, knower of the true meaning, what is the twelve-syllabled mantra?” Bhṛgu praised him, saying, “Excellent, excellent, O great wise one; your understanding is unsurpassed. That which is spoken in accordance with reality, the learned declare to be truth.” Thus, the king learned from the sage the sacred means for deliverance, the power of proper conduct, the greatness of the Ganga, and the path to Vishnu’s abode.