By the power of truth, the cow released a stream of nourishing milk, a beloved and sacred offering. Truly blessed was the cowherd who lived by her milk, sustained by her bounty. Fortunate indeed were the lands where her grass grew, for such places were considered auspicious; those who did good to the cow were themselves blessed and fulfilled. Those who drank her milk attained the very essence of birth. Even the king of beasts, upon realizing this truth, was filled with profound wonder and newfound conviction. Accepting this divine command—truth revealed by the gods—the king of beasts confessed, “Having seen the truth of the cows, I have no desire to continue living as before. I have sinned, devouring countless lives; now, I seek a way to be freed from this burden of sin.” With deep remorse, he resolved, “I will undertake an act of penance to cleanse myself. I have been sinful, cruel, and a destroyer of life. Where can I go, having committed such terrible deeds? I shall visit holy pilgrimage sites and seek purification. Perhaps I will climb a mountain and cast myself down, or enter fire. O sacred cow, what austerity should I perform today to rid myself of this sin?” He pleaded, “Instruct me briefly, for there is no time for lengthy explanations.” The cow replied with gentle wisdom, “In the Krita age, austerity is praised; in the Treta, knowledge alone is supreme. In the Dvapara, sacrifice is declared the path, but in this Kali age, charity alone is the highest virtue. Of all forms of charity, granting fearlessness to all beings is the greatest. Whoever gives fearlessness to living creatures—both moving and unmoving—is freed from all fears and attains the supreme Brahman. There is no charity or austerity equal to nonviolence. Just as all other footprints disappear within the footprint of an elephant, so too are all dharmas absorbed in nonviolence, O tiger. “The shade of the tree of yoga destroys the threefold suffering; its flowers are knowledge of dharma, and its fruits are heaven and liberation. For those scorched by suffering, the shade of the yoga tree is a refuge. Having attained supreme nirvana, one is no longer afflicted by suffering. Thus the highest good has been briefly described to you; you have understood everything, yet you continue to question me.” The tiger then revealed his own story: “I was once cursed by a deer to exist in the form of a tiger. As a result of killing creatures, I lost all memory of my true self. But through your association and instruction, memory has returned. By this truth, you too will attain the highest path. Yet, there is a question that has remained in my heart for nearly a hundred years, O auspicious one, and I have pondered it deeply. “By the union of your fortune, at some time in the splendid heavens, the foundation of dharma was established, set upon the path of the virtuous. Tell me, what is your name, O blessed one? I am ignorant and wish to know.” The cow replied, “My name was given as Nanda by my master.” The tiger then realized, “You say, ‘I will eat Nanda’—for what reason did you stand thus?” At the very moment he heard the name Nanda, the curse that bound him was broken and vanished. He regained his former kingship, endowed with strength and form. Meanwhile, Dharma, knowing the cow to be truthful, came to see her and spoke: “Encouraged by your truthfulness, I, Dharma, have come here. Nandā, choose a boon; may you be blessed. Whatever supreme boon you desire, ask for it.” Thus addressed, the goddess Nandā humbly requested, “By your grace, O sinless one, may I attain the highest state. May this sacred ford become auspicious, granting righteousness to sages. And may this river, by my name, be known as Nandā Sarasvatī. O Lord of gods, by granting this boon, you have fulfilled my heart’s desire.” Pulastya then narrated that, at that very moment, the goddess went to the auspicious abode of the truthful, and Prabhañjana, the tiger restored to his true form, regained his former kingdom. Because Nandā attained heaven and became the river Nandā Sarasvatī, she has since been known by the wise as Nandā Sarasvatī. Sarasvatī then flowed again from the forest called Kharjūra, moving southward and flooding the earth. Whoever, while approaching her, utters her name, attains happiness in life and, after death, becomes a celestial being. Those who, having performed virtuous deeds, relinquish their bodies on her banks, become kings among the Vidyādharas and enjoy happiness. For men, bathing and drinking the waters of Sarasvatī there is a ladder to heaven; those who bathe there with devotion on the prescribed day are especially blessed. Those who die there rejoice in supreme delight, having reached heaven; Sarasvatī always bestows good fortune upon women at that sacred place. Fasting on the third day brings good fortune as well, and even by seeing her there, one is freed from accumulated sin. Those who touch her waters are to be regarded as great sages; giving silver there ensures one is born handsome. This river, filled with holy waters, is the virtuous daughter of Brahmā, known as Nandā, vast and flowing southward. After not going very far, she turned again, facing another direction, and from that time, the goddess became manifest and visible. On her sacred banks are fords and shrines, frequented by sages and perfected beings on all sides. In all those places, Sarasvatī is the cause of righteousness; by bathing, drinking, or giving gold in the great river, one gains immense merit.