Among all the sacred places on earth, the Ganga is revered as the foremost. She, who pervades all realms, is renowned for her power to destroy every sin. The Ganga purifies all who come to her; she is the great purifier herself. Yet, it is a mystery why more people do not serve her with devotion. Within her embrace lies Varanasi, the illustrious city attended by all the gods. For those who have listened to the scriptures, Kashi is celebrated again and again for its glory. Whoever comes to this holy city, having shed all their sins, indeed attains the world of Shiva. Even those burdened by many transgressions find themselves freed from suffering here, attaining the pure Shaiva state. If one becomes the sovereign of the earth and reaches Kashi, liberation is surely won. Even uttering the name of Kashi brings the four aims of life—dharma, artha, kama, and moksha—within reach. By merely seeing the divine presence there, people are elevated to the highest state. Through acts such as bathing in her waters or drinking from her stream, the Ganga purifies the world and leads souls toward Indra’s celestial city. The greatness of the divine form as the liṅga in Kashi is beyond full description. In truth, there is not even the slightest difference between these sacred forms; only those of misguided intellect create divisions, distinguishing where none exist. Those lost in the ocean of ignorance, weighed down by sin, are the ones who make such distinctions. At the end of the age, it is said that Hari himself assumes the form of Rudra. With the aspect of Brahma, he creates, and at the close of time, Hara dissolves all three worlds. Those who create divisions among these divine forms fall into a most dreadful hell, while those who recognize their unity attain supreme bliss—this is the essence of the scriptures. Janardana is always present in Kashi in the form of the liṅga, and those who behold him there, the best of men, attain the supreme light. It is he who has circled the earth, with all its holy islands, oceans, and mountains. In every such place, Hari is present, whether as Shiva or Achyuta. Wherever the Purāṇa is recited, Hari’s presence fills the space. For those devoted to him, the Ganga becomes a daily protector. The devotion shown to the speaker of these sacred texts is considered equal to the merit of Prayāga itself. Hari is praised as the rescuer of 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 all rivers, so too is the Ganga honored as the highest. There is no gain greater than liberation, and no river that equals the Ganga. She removes the disease of worldly existence, and thus, she should always be served with diligence. O twice-born, know that one who lacks devotion to both the Ganga and Hari is truly fallen. Both possess the power to destroy all sins, and with the energy of Vishnu, they are famed for fulfilling the desires of devotees. They move for the welfare of all worlds, most excellent among all. Likewise, devotion to Tulasi and to Hari is pure and virtuous. Where the great protector dwells, people reach the supreme abode of Vishnu. For those under the Ganga’s protection, she grants the fruits of their wishes. Freed from all sin, one attains the highest state. By abandoning demonic tendencies, one reaches the supreme goal.