In the sacred narrative, it is told that when a seeker, established in the vow of celibacy, reaches the holy forest of Puṣkara and devotes himself to the practice of the Vedas, he resides there in deep contemplation, or even meets his end in that hallowed place. Upon his death, a wondrous transformation occurs: he ascends into a divine chariot, radiant with his own spiritual splendor, shining with the soothing brilliance of the full moon—an enchanting sight, delightful to behold. Carried by this celestial chariot, he arrives in the exalted realm of Rudra. There, in the company of mysterious and secret beings, he delights in their presence and, by virtue of his merit, attains great sovereignty, becoming a lord over all the worlds. For thousands of ages, he enjoys honor and happiness in Rudra’s realm, and when his time there is fulfilled, he moves onward, progressing ever further on his spiritual journey. In every realm he visits, he is ever joyful, experiencing flawless happiness. Eventually, he is born again among mortals, but this time into a great and divine family of twice-borns, the noble and learned. In human form, he is righteous, handsome, eloquent, and strong—a man of great pleasures, beloved by women, and a lord among men. He adopts the ways of a forest-dweller, shunning village medicines and comforts, and his spiritual progress is never hindered in any world. He lives simply, subsisting on dried leaves and fruits, consuming flowers, roots, and water, and making use of simple tools like the pigeon’s stone, the grinding stone, and the tooth-pestle. His clothing is austere—bark and rough cloth—and his hair is matted. He bathes thrice daily, is free from faults, and carries a staff as a sign of his discipline. He is steadfast in difficult vows—whether an outcaste or a noble, he performs rigorous austerities: sleeping on water, practicing the five fires, and retreating into caves during the rains. He lies on the ground amidst insects, thorns, and stones, devoted to standing postures, heroic vows, sharing with others, and steadfastness in discipline. He eats forest herbs, grants fearlessness to all beings, and is always intent on acquiring righteousness, having conquered anger and the senses. Ever devoted to Brahman, he dwells in sacred places, especially at Puṣkara, renouncing all attachments, self-contented, and free from longing. O Bhīṣma, listen to the destiny of those who dwell in Puṣkara: their altars are adorned with pillars shining like the young sun. Devoted to Brahman, they travel in celestial vehicles among those who move at will, shining in the sky like a second moon. Surrounded by Gandharvas and Apsaras skilled in song, music, and dance, he enjoys their company for hundreds of millions of years. He moves unobstructed to the realm of any deity he desires, and by the grace of Brahman, he shines forth in all directions. Even if he falls from Brahma’s world, he goes to Vishnu’s realm; if he falls from there, he enters Rudra’s realm. Should he descend further, he is born on the islands or in other heavens, always enjoying pleasures as he desires. Having experienced sovereignty in these celestial realms, he is born again among mortals, becoming a king or prince, wealthy and happy. Whether Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, or those who dwell in the fields—if they are handsome, fortunate, beloved, renowned, and filled with devotion—those who are devoted to their duties, of good conduct, long-lived, wholly devoted to Brahman, and compassionate to all beings, attain great fortune. Those seekers of liberation who dwell in the great sacred place of Puṣkara, when their time comes, ascend to the abode of Brahma in splendid aerial chariots. They are accompanied by hosts of Apsaras, as well as wish-fulfilling and form-changing beings. Even if one offers his own body into the ever-blazing fire, a great-souled one who meditates on Brahman goes to the abode of Brahma, where the world is undecaying and eternal, filled with all enjoyments. That highest and most delightful world, fulfilling every desire—if one gives up his life in the sacred waters of Puṣkara—becomes their eternal home. For them, O Bhīṣma, the world of Brahma is undecaying, the abode of the great-souled, and there they directly behold the god who destroys all suffering. They see the god surrounded by countless immortals, with hosts of Rudras and Vishnus; and those who die in the forest of Puṣkara—even if they are Shudras—are not destroyed. They ascend in aerial chariots yoked with swans, radiant as the sun, adorned with various jewels and gold, strong and fragrant with perfumes. Their chariots resound with the songs of Apsaras, adorned with banners and flags, and filled with the sounds of many bells. Endowed with many wondrous marvels, accompanied by those skilled in play and knowledge, shining brightly, they possess virtues and are drawn by excellent peacocks. In Brahma’s world, the steadfast men who die in Puṣkara rejoice; dwelling there for a long time, they enjoy pleasures as they desire. When they return to the mortal world, they are born in wealthy and prosperous families, enjoying pleasures. But the one who accomplishes the Kārīṣī rite in the forest of Puṣkara leaves behind all other worlds and goes to Brahma’s world, where he dwells until the end of the aeon. He does not see mortals tormented by their own actions; his path is unobstructed in all directions—across, above, or below. Honored in all worlds, he spreads his fame, is self-controlled, wise in the rules of good conduct, and captivating to all the senses. Skilled in dance, music, and song, charming and pleasant to behold, always adorned with unwithered flowers and divine ornaments, his complexion is dark as the petal of the blue lotus, with curly dark hair. His companions are of unsurpassed beauty, slender-waisted, and filled with all auspiciousness. Women endowed with all qualities of prosperity, exceedingly proud of their youth, serve those who dwell there and delight them upon the couch. Awakened from sleep by the sounds of the lute and flute, he enjoys the happiness of a great festival—a happiness difficult to obtain for those who have not mastered themselves.