May the sacred waters of the Ganga wash away our accumulated sins, for her ablution alone is said by the wise sages to deliver not only the living but also those who have gone before. The question arises: by what means can one attain liberation, that rarest of blessings throughout the worlds? How can even those who have not performed great meritorious deeds help others achieve such deliverance? The sages explain with a beautiful comparison: just as the moon, filled with nectar, brings joy to all the worlds, so too do all worldly pleasures pale beside even a single drop of Ganga water. Indeed, it is said that the holy Ganga purifies as many as twenty-one generations of a family. Through the simple offering of her water, even those burdened with sin are protected from evil. Upon hearing these wondrous truths, the best among the twice-born—those learned and devout—were filled with awe. If such is the power of Ganga for ordinary souls, then what can be said of the great and virtuous ones, endowed with true knowledge? The devotee who acts for the welfare of all, and who is purified in heart, surely attains the supreme state. In a sacred ritual, the devotee sprinkled water mixed with tulasi leaves upon others for their protection. As a result, their demonic natures were wiped away, and they became radiant, shining like the gods themselves—brilliant as millions of suns. In gratitude, these beings praised the brahmin and, thus blessed, ascended to the heavenly realms. Observing those who had thus attained liberation, the sage himself fell into deep contemplation. Then, with profound words, he spoke a great truth, the very root of righteousness: “O King, even for you, when your time comes, great good fortune will arise.” Without doubt, those who are steadfast in devotion reach the supreme abode of Vishnu. Especially those who worship their guru with true devotion attain the highest state. Finding peace within, the devotee remembered the instructions of his teacher and reported all these happenings to the brahmin. Reciting the sacred names of Vishnu, he journeyed at once to Varanasi. There, through the generous gift of the brahmin’s wife, Mitrasaha was freed from bondage. Consecrated and purified, he ruled his kingdom wisely, and, having received offspring through the sage Vashishtha, he too attained liberation. Such is the glory of Ganga: whoever praises her, listens to her story, remembers her, or drinks of her waters is liberated. Even the greatest lords—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—seek to cross her sacred stream. Freed by her grace, a person ascends to the very abode of Brahma, honored and pure, released from all sin at that very moment. Now, a question is raised: “Tell me, brother, of the origin of Ganga, if I am worthy of your favor. Speak of that which, when heard, grants merit and destroys sin.” Thus the tale begins. Daksha had two daughters, Diti and Aditi, who became his wives. Their sons became rivals, each striving for victory over the other. The first among the Daityas, born of Diti, was the mighty Hiranyakashipu. His son was Virocana, who was devoted to the brahmins. Virocana himself became the commander of the Daitya armies, conquering the entire earth and then setting his sights on the heavens. His army was vast and unmatched, with five hundred elephants in each division, and countless infantry—so great was their force that further description seems unnecessary. Among his children, Bāṇa, the eldest of Bali’s hundred sons, equaled his father in valor and might. Thus unfolds the sacred story, revealing the power of Ganga and the deeds of those who sought greatness in the worlds.