With a heart intent on holy pilgrimage, I journeyed first to the supremely sacred Hastināpura, that ancient city where the Ganges herself, best of rivers, emerged from the lotus feet of Śrīpati. From there, my path led me northward to the abode of Nārāyaṇa, nestled in the land of the Himalayas. Having beheld Mādhava, I continued onward and arrived at Kedāra. There, I worshipped the Lord of the Universe, and, refreshed by drinking the pure waters of the Hamsa, I made my way to Haridvara, that immensely holy place on the banks of the Jahnavi. At Haridvara, I bathed in the sacred river, offering rites to satisfy the ancestors, gods, and sages. My journey then took me to Kurukshetra, where the eastern Sarasvati flows serenely. With senses restrained, I performed all the prescribed rites there, and after worshipping at the lotus feet of the Lord of Shri, I set out for Pushkara. As I traveled, I was met by my friend Vimala, a twice-born soul who was coming from the holy land of Indraprastha to Vraja. By his guidance, I was led again to the place of the Rakshasi, and then, turning back from that holy site, I returned to Shakraprastha, famed as the granter of all wishes. There, within Shakraprastha, stands the sacred Dvaraka, built by Vishnu himself. In that blessed place, Vishnu revealed himself to us in human form, just as his words had promised. My friend and I bathed together there, seeking the boon of devotion to Vishnu. Graciously, Vishnu, in the form of Krishna, granted us both that supreme devotion. In that holy place, I heard the voice of Hari, though his form remained unseen. Yet, from that divine presence, I gained unwavering devotion. With a heart full of gratitude, I continued on my way toward Pushkara. The water of Dvaraka, held within my water-pot, is the sanctified essence of the lord of that holy place. As a night-wanderer, I declare its sacredness. All that you have asked of me, I have now recounted. Witnessing your present misfortune, compassion wells up within me. Tell me, what shall I do for you today? I am at your command. May knowledge arise within you! So saying, I sprinkled them with the holy water. By the touch of that water, the afflicted ones remembered all their past births and deeds. Instantly, they cast off their fierce Rakshasa forms. Transformed, they attained radiant, divine bodies, and ascending the seventh celestial chariot, they became apsarases. With gratitude, they bowed to the twice-born sage. They spoke: “O best of the twice-born, by contact with the water of Dvaraka, we are freed from Rakshasa existence and now journey to the abode of the gods. O twice-born, this Dvaraka, situated within Indraprastha, is supreme; there is no other holy place in the world that fulfills all desires as this one does.” Narada continued: Having spoken thus, they mounted their celestial chariots and, with the sage’s permission, departed eastward. O king, by the Yamuna’s bank stands Dvaraka; merely hearing of its greatness frees one from sin. The merit gained by feeding a hundred Brahmins learned in the Vedas is attained simply by listening to this glory. Just as the senses are delighted by the proper worship of Govinda, so too is happiness found in hearing of Dvaraka’s greatness. The merit of giving twenty measures of gold during a solar or lunar eclipse is also gained by hearing this account. If one listens with faith to the story of the liberation of the demonesses, one too, like them, ascends in a splendid chariot to the abode of the gods. Thus have I described the greatness of the noble king and of Dvaraka, revered by the three worlds and situated at Indra’s holy site. Tell me, what further supreme merit shall I narrate? Speak, for in the pursuit of the highest good, there should be no delay. Thus ends the two hundred and eighth chapter, entitled “The Story of Dvaraka,” in the section on the greatness of Kalindi, in the Uttarakanda of the glorious Padma Purana. Yudhishthira then spoke: “O sage, which holy place’s greatness did Narada describe to Shibi when he had gone to Indra’s sacred site? Therefore, O foremost of sages, my desire to hear is kindled; tell me the virtuous conversation between Shibi and Narada, for I bow and thirst for your nectar-like words.” Saubhari replied: “O king of righteousness, King Shibi, having heard Narada’s account of Dvaraka’s greatness, respectfully inquired further.” Shibi said: “O best of gods, son of Brahma, I have heard of Dvaraka’s supreme greatness upon the bank of Indraprastha, and it fills me with wonder. If there is any pure tale connected with Ayodhya, please tell me that story, for I yearn for your immortal words.” Narada answered: “Indeed, there is a virtuous tale here that destroys even great sins, concerning a barber and a twice-born named Mukunda, both of whom acted recently. O king, the barber—a slayer of a Brahmin—and the twice-born, who died prematurely, both attained heaven by the grace of Kosala. On the bank of the river Chandrabhaga stood that city. There lived a sinful barber named Chandaka, despised by all. He would steal others’ wealth through wicked deeds, robbing travelers with weapons, ropes, and other means. Addicted to gambling and liquor, lustful for other men’s wives, he even broke the wall of a temple to sell its bricks and stones. Near his dwelling lived a Brahmin named Mukunda, wealthy and skilled in Vedic rites. One night, Mukunda, embracing his young wife, slept deeply, his body relaxed from the fatigue of lovemaking, untroubled by fear. In the dead of night, Chandaka entered that house, intent on taking whatever ornaments and valuables he could find in Mukunda’s mansion.