Eager to learn, the sage humbly implored, “Please, tell me all of this. My desire to hear is great, and in all the three worlds, there is no one but you who can truly explain these mysteries.” Vyasa replied with warmth, “Excellent, excellent, O best among the twice-born! Surely your mind is pure, for you have approached this secret teaching with faith and curiosity. The virtues of Bhagirathi—the sacred Ganga—cannot be fully described, for they are boundless. Still, I shall speak of them briefly; listen with a focused heart. Simply uttering the two syllables ‘Ganga’ softly is enough—I believe that even by this, one is freed from sin and attains the great elixir of the elements. The Ganga is easily accessible everywhere, but there are three places where she is most difficult to reach: at Gangadvara, at Prayaga, and at the confluence where the Ganga meets the ocean. At the delightful Gangadvara, all the gods, along with Indra, gather to bathe, offer gifts, and perform other sacred rites. By divine arrangement, those who give up their bodies there—be they human, animal, or even insect—attain the supreme state. Now, O sage among Brahmins, listen to this ancient tale I am about to recount. By simply hearing it with reverence, one is freed from all sins. There was once a king named Manobhadra, born of the lunar dynasty. He was powerful, versed in all duties, and lived in this world with great renown. His queen, Hemaprabha, was sweet-spoken, deeply devoted to her husband, fortunate, and endowed with all auspicious marks. This mighty king, having vanquished all enemies in battle, ruled the entire earth, with its islands and oceans. One day, this protector of the earth summoned his ministers and, with affection, spoke amid the assembly: ‘O ministers, I have protected the whole earth; all my enemies, along with their sons, forces, and vehicles, have been slain. My own clans are secure, Brahmins have been satisfied with gifts, and all the gods have been honored with their retinues and offerings. Through sacrifices and proper gifts, I have upheld my lineage. Yet now, great old age has taken away all my strength. I am weak, unable to perform even a few actions; royal splendor does not shine in one who lacks ability. A woman, adorned with every ornament but with aged limbs, is like this—so long as her beauty lasts, all are drawn to her, but once it fades, even those who once loved her turn away, no longer desiring her despite her virtues. In the same way, the earth abandons an aged king, just as a free woman leaves her guardian. All virtues are gained through devotion, and great fame is attained through virtue. Supreme good is achieved by giving, and the earth is gained through strength. But one who lacks ability, though pitiable, is surely ruled by his enemies. Such a king, O delight of enemies, listens only to the words of fools. Therefore, I wish to divide the whole kingdom among my best ministers, or better yet, to give it to my two sons, if you all agree.’ The ministers replied, ‘O king, your words are wise and learned in statecraft. We agree; there is no doubt.’ At the king’s command, his two excellent sons, Virabhadra and Yashobhadra, came into the assembly. Both were endowed with all virtues, spoke kindly, were always devoted to their father, peaceful, strong, and intent on righteousness. Then, that foremost king, skilled in statecraft, divided the entire kingdom between them. At that very moment, a vulture accompanied by his mate arrived and settled in the midst of the assembly. Seeing the gathering, the birds were filled with joy. The king addressed them, ‘Tell me, for what auspicious reason have you two come?’ The vulture replied, ‘O protector of the earth, I am a vulture, and this is my mate. We have come joyfully to witness the prosperity of your sons, for in their previous birth, a great calamity befell them. In this birth, we have come to see their happiness.’ Amazed at these wondrous words, the king turned to the sage and asked, ‘Vulture, how do you know the previous history of my two sons? If you truly know, please tell me everything in full.’ The vulture replied, ‘O King, in the age known as Dvapara, these two were outcastes named Garasangara, sons of Satyaghosha. At the same time, both died in their own homes. Then, the fanged servants of Yama came to take them—countless thousands, holding nooses in their hands, arrived and bound the two, intoxicated with pride, with leather cords. They led them by a most difficult path to the abode of Death. There, Dharmaraja spoke to Citragupta, “Citragupta, examine in detail the entire conduct of these two.” By his command, Citragupta investigated all their deeds, good and bad, thoroughly and from the root, then said to Antaka: “These two were devoted to virtue and great in intent. If there was any evil deed, it has been examined. They gave gifts on their own, but not to a twice-born. Because of that very act, O King, these two are destined for hell.