O revered sage, listen to the wondrous account of the sacred vow called Trispṛśā, whose power to grant liberation has been extolled by the gods and sages alike. Long ago, a Brāhmaṇa, slain in the forest by Śatāyudha, was freed from the grievous sin of Brahminicide through the complete observance of the Trispṛśā. Likewise, when Namuci was killed, Śakra instructed that the observance of Trispṛśā would destroy the resulting sin. In truth, the observance of Trispṛśā dissolves even the most severe sins, such as Brahminicide; what need is there to speak of lesser transgressions? Even in the holiest places—Prayāga, Kāśī, or at the Gomati in the presence of Kṛṣṇa—liberation cannot be attained without observing the Trispṛśā. Yet, by dying at Prayāga, at Gomati with Kṛṣṇa, or even by simply bathing in the Gomati, one attains eternal liberation. Remarkably, for one who lives amidst worldly pleasures, liberation arises by observing Trispṛśā even in their own home. Conversely, even for those who have renounced sense objects, liberation is difficult to obtain through Sāṃkhya alone. Thus, O foremost of Brāhmaṇas, perform the Trispṛśā, which bestows liberation. Curious, Nārada asked, “O best of gods, what is this great vow called Trispṛśā, which you have described as granting liberation to the twice-born?” Mahadeva replied, “O Brahmin, long ago, out of compassion for you, Madhava spoke to Jahnavi on the eastern bank of the Sarasvati about the sacred bath called Trispṛśā.” Jahnavi, the sacred river, expressed her concern to Hrishikesha: “In the age of Kali, countless sins—including Brahminicide and other heinous acts—cling to those who bathe in my waters. Because of these faults and sins, my body has become tainted. O Garuda-bannered Lord, how will my sin be removed?” Eastern Madhava comforted her, saying, “Do not doubt, my daughter, and do not weep. My abode is Shyamovata, and the Eastern Goddess stands before me. The daughter of Brahma flows there, and the Queen of the gods is seen ahead; bathe there daily, and you will become purified. Where the Eastern daughter of Brahma is, there I am; together with the gods, endowed with hundreds of millions of sacred fords, I dwell there. That place, dear to me, is pure and destroys millions of heinous sins. I have granted it with satisfaction, for you are dearer to me than life. Thousands of millions of sacred fords remain by my command in the waters of the Eastern Sarasvati.” He continued, “From the killing of a Brahmin, drinking liquor, killing a cow, killing an outcaste, stealing Brahmin's wealth, failing to honor one's parents, neglecting religious rites, betraying one's teacher, eating forbidden food, and committing all kinds of sins—O daughter of Brahma—the Eastern daughter of Brahma removes sins by a single bath before me. Bathe, O best of rivers, and you will become free from sin.” Jahnavi replied, “O Lord of the gods, I am not able to come here always. Tell me, O Madhava, how sins are destroyed here.” Eastern Madhava said, “O Jahnavi, if you cannot come here always, I will tell you another way, since you have arisen from my feet. That which surpasses the Sarasvati, exceeds hundreds of millions of sacred fords, surpasses hundreds of millions of sacrifices, and is greater than vows and gifts; that which is greater than recitation and oblation, bestows the fruits of the four aims of life, and surpasses Sāṃkhya and Yoga—that auspicious Trispṛśā should be performed. In whatever month the bright lunar fortnight arrives, if it is present, then it should be performed in the best of rivers; by doing so, one is freed from sin.” Jahnavi inquired, “O blessed Madhava, what is this Trispṛśā? Tell me, for you have just spoken of its great glory.” She was told, “On a single day when the tenth and eleventh lunar days coincide, that is called Trispṛśā, O Lord; or tell me otherwise, O Master.” Then Krishna cautioned, “The goddess Trispṛśā of demonic nature, whom you have mentioned, must be avoided with care, just as one would avoid a husband who has lost his virtue. Among the demons, she is declared as the destroyer of lifespan and strength; she must be avoided with diligence, just as a woman in her menstrual period. One who abandons their own caste and associates with lower castes must especially be shunned, particularly on the day joined with the tenth lunar day, which is my day. Just as those who associate with a menstruating woman are corrupted and deprived of wisdom, so too, my day joined with the tenth lunar day is corrupted for people.” He explained further, “Observing Trispṛśā destroys ten thousand acts of killing; the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth lunar days remaining in the night. That Trispṛśā should be understood as joined with the tenth lunar day, not otherwise; after committing an offense, a person is freed by performing atonement. I do not forgive the fault arising from the tenth lunar day, O river goddess; by consuming it, one has eaten poison, as if partaking of halāhala. If someone performs the vow of Ekādaśī mixed with the tenth lunar day, thinking thus, my day joined with the tenth should not be observed. The merit accumulated over millions of births is destroyed; it causes one's own lineage to fall and leads them from heaven to hells such as Raurava. After purifying one's own body, my day should be observed; in case of growth, it must be abandoned unless joined with the proper conjunctions such as hearing the scriptures. The merit of birth is diminished for those who fast on Ekādaśī, especially when there is an increase and doubt arises. By my command, Dvādaśī, beloved to me, must be observed.” Jahnavi declared, “O Lord of the world, I will observe Trispṛśā according to your words; by your command, I shall become free from all sins.” Śrī Krishna blessed her, “Return to your own place, may you be blessed; you need never fear. O goddess, best of rivers, no sin will pass to you.” Thus, O sage, the glory of the Trispṛśā vow was revealed, its observance bringing purification and liberation, even from the gravest of sins, and bestowing divine favor upon those who perform it with faith.