There was once a person who, with deep reverence, served his teacher faithfully. Yet, due to a powerful curse, he was consumed from within by the relentless fire of hunger. One night, as the most virtuous among Brahmins recounted his plight beneath the sheltering branches of a banyan tree, a remarkable event unfolded. At that very moment, a most righteous Brahmin arrived. He carried sacred Ganga water upon his shoulder and walked, his lips praising the Lord of the universe. As this sage approached, two fearsome beings—a piśāca and a rākṣasa—who had haunted the place, found themselves powerless to harm him. The rākṣasas then spoke, acknowledging the protective power of chanting the divine Name: “Because of the greatness of name-chanting, we rākṣasas have been driven far away. O Brahmin, the covering of the divine Name shields you from great danger.” By the glory of the infallible Lord, those tormented beings found supreme peace. They pleaded, “By your ablutions with Ganga water, protect us from the burden of our accumulated sins.” For it is said by the sages that such a one delivers all who have gone before him. They wondered, “By what means can liberation, so rare in all the worlds, be attained? How is it that even those who have not performed meritorious deeds may deliver others by the same means?” They reflected further, “Just as the moon, the storehouse of nectar, brings joy to all the worlds, so too are all joys considered equal to even a single drop of Ganga water. Indeed, the water of the Ganga purifies as many as twenty-one generations of a family. By offering Ganga water, protect us, the doers of sinful deeds, from evil.” Hearing these words, the best among the twice-born was filled with wonder. He thought, “If such is the power for those in need, what then of those great and virtuous ones who are endowed with the power of knowledge?” For the devotee, intent on the welfare of all and purified, attains the supreme state. Moved by compassion, the Brahmin sprinkled the suffering beings with water mixed with sacred tulasi leaves for their protection. Their demonic nature was wiped away, and they became radiant, like the gods themselves—shining as brilliantly as millions of suns. With gratitude, they praised the Brahmin and departed for the heavenly realms. Witnessing their liberation, the Brahmin fell into deep contemplation. He spoke profound words, declaring the root of righteousness: “O King, even for you, when your time comes, great good fortune will arise. Without doubt, those who are devoted to the worship of the guru attain the supreme abode of Vishnu, the highest state.” Having found inner peace, the Brahmin remembered the teachings of his guru and reported all that had transpired to another wise Brahmin. Then, reciting the names of Vishnu, he journeyed to the holy city of Varanasi. Through the gift of the Brahmin’s wife, Mitrasaha was released from his bonds. Consecrated, O best of sages, he ruled over his kingdom justly. Blessed with offspring by the sage Vashishtha, the noble king ultimately attained liberation. Indeed, it is said: anyone who praises, listens to, remembers, or drinks the waters of the Ganga becomes liberated. Even the greatest among gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—seek to cross the ocean of existence by her grace. Freed from all bonds, a person goes to the abode of Brahma—there is no doubt. In that very instant, cleansed of sin, he is honored in the world of Brahma.