Among all people, true devotion to the one who proclaims dharma is exceedingly rare. Yet, when a devoted person reverently accepts the root-born teachings upon his head, he attains the blessed abode of Vishnu. Even one who merely desires with such devotion is granted entry to Vishnu’s realm. Not even Vishnu himself can alter this truth—what then can others accomplish, no matter how many words they use? It is seen that people may even fall into hell despite residing at the sacred confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. Likewise, devotion to Tulasi and to the one who glorifies Hari is of immense value. Such a person, freed from all sins, attains the world of Vishnu, and may also reach the radiant world of the Sun. The transits of Aries, Taurus, and Capricorn purify the entire world, and rivers such as Tungabhadra, Kaveri, Kalindi, and Bahuda are celebrated for their sanctity. Yet, among all these sacred places, the Ganga is remembered as the foremost. The all-pervading Ganga destroys all sins; she purifies and is herself the purifier. Why, then, do so few serve her? Varanasi, attended by all the gods, is renowned. For those who have listened to the scriptures, Kashi has been repeatedly praised. There, having shaken off all sins, one attains the world of Shiva. Even those burdened with many sins find release from affliction and may reach the Shaiva state. One who becomes the sole sovereign on earth and reaches Kashi obtains liberation. For those who merely utter the name of Kashi, the four aims of life—dharma, artha, kama, and moksha—are not far away. By simply seeing the sacred presence there, people attain the highest state. Through acts such as bathing and drinking, the world is purified and led to Indra’s city. The greatness of the form as the liṅga cannot be fully described. There is not even the slightest difference between Shiva and Vishnu; only those of misguided intellect create divisions. Those immersed in ignorance and sin make such distinctions. At the end of the age, Hari is said to assume the form of Rudra. He creates with the form of Brahma, and at the end, Hara dissolves all three. One who creates division among these divine forms falls into a most terrible hell. But one who understands their unity attains supreme bliss, which is the essence of the scriptures. Janardana is always present in Kashi in the form of the liṅga. Upon seeing him, the best of men attains the supreme light. It is he who has circled the earth with its holy islands, oceans, and mountains. In all these places, Hari is present—whether as Shiva or as Achyuta. Wherever the Purāṇa is recited, Hari is present there. For those who practice devotion to him, the Ganges serves as a means of protection day by day. Devotion shown to the speaker of these sacred texts is regarded as equal to the sanctity of Prayāga. Hari is praised as the one who rescues those immersed in the ocean of worldly existence. There is no deity equal to Vishnu, nor any truth higher than the guru. Just as the ocean is supreme among rivers, so too is the Ganga regarded as the highest. There is no gain greater than liberation, and no river equal to the Ganga.