Just as a fragrant flower spreads its sweet scent to all who come near, so too does a virtuous person bring goodness to the world around them. In this way, the wise recognized the Supreme Person, acknowledging that He was born to rule over all the worlds. With reverence, they offered salutations to Him, whose very nature is steeped in devotion to Brahman, ever absorbed in meditation upon the highest truth. Pleased with such devotion, the Supreme Person spoke, “Choose a boon, O sinless one, for you have pleased me.” The devotee replied humbly, “Grant that our ancestors may be led to the world of Brahman.” The Supreme Person responded with compassion, “By bringing the sacred river Ganga, your descendant will guide your ancestors to heaven. Through her holy waters, their sins will be washed away, and they will be led to the supreme state.” The devotee then went to his grandfather and recounted all that had transpired. Through austerities and devoted worship of Vishnu, he attained the pure and sinless state of Hari. It was from him that Bhagiratha was born—a noble soul destined to bring the Ganga down from the heavens. Bhagiratha fixed his mind with unwavering determination on this great task, and by his efforts, he brought the Ganga to earth. With her arrival, he touched the ashes of his ancestors with her sacred waters, purifying them and leading them to heaven. Bhagiratha’s son was Mitrasaha, renowned throughout all the worlds. By worshipping with even a few drops of Ganga’s water, the king was once again liberated from the bonds of sin. How was he purified again by bathing with the Ganga’s waters? Such is the glory of Ganga’s story, that simply hearing or reciting it brings auspiciousness to all. Mitrasaha enjoyed the whole earth, caring for his subjects as a loving father would. He protected the land just as his own father had, never straying from the path of dharma. In his youth, he ruled the earth for thirty-eight thousand years. One day, he entered a splendid, purified assembly hall with his army and ministers. Thirsty, the righteous king approached the river Reva. After eating with his ministers, he spent the night there. The next day, he wandered in the forest along the banks of the Narmada, accompanied by his minister. With his bow drawn and arrow ready, he chased after a black antelope. In the depths of the forest, he came upon a cave where he saw two tigers, locked in union. As a master of archery, he confronted them with his bow and arrow. Suddenly, the tigress—enormous, measuring thirty-six yojanas in length—leapt out. Seeing his beloved fallen, the tiger-demon, now his enemy, was filled with rage. Alarmed by these events, the king gathered his army in the forest. King Sudāsaja, suspecting the hand of a demon, became apprehensive. After much time had passed, the king performed a great Aśvamedha sacrifice, offering oblations to Brahmā and the other gods as prescribed by sacred rites. But then, filled with anger, the tiger-demon came before the king, demanding recompense. Approaching the king, he declared, “I wish to eat meat.” At that moment, the king stood holding the offering vessel for Hari, awaiting the arrival of his guru. When his guru arrived, the king respectfully presented the vessel to him. The guru was astonished and wondered at what he saw, thinking, “Why has this happened?” He lamented, “Alas, this king has acted wickedly—he has given me what is unfit to eat. O lord of the earth, you have offered me impure food to harm me. You have given me human flesh, which is food only for demons.