In the sacred narrative, it is told that there exists a place where happiness, prosperity, and inexhaustible ascetic merit arise for humankind. This holy region is adorned with three shining peaks and three springs, and within it are found three Pushkaras—though the reason for their number remains unknown. One Pushkara is the youngest, one the middle, and the third the eldest. These places are named after the peaks and auspicious springs, and it is said that Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra are always present there. Among all places on earth, none is more holy than Pushkara. Its waters are pure, spotless, and renowned throughout the three worlds. Those fortunate enough to see Pushkara are believed to behold the path to Brahma’s world. Whoever worships the sacred fire there for a hundred years, or even dwells at Pushkara for a single month of Kartika, achieves merit that is rare and difficult to attain—even the narrator confesses he was unable to accomplish such deeds. Thus, it is declared that one who reaches Pushkara, without effort, conquers death itself, the taker of all. There, the Lord of gods, Brahma, the Grandfather of the worlds, was seen. No mortal on earth can equal such a person. The narrator expresses satisfaction and blessing, promising that by his boon, the blessed one will attain the status of those who live long, without doubt. By the grace obtained through Mrikandu’s son, Markandeya, an ashram was established, known as Markandeya’s ashram. Bathing and purifying oneself there grants the fruit of a Vajapeya sacrifice. One who is purified from all sins at Pushkara becomes long-lived. Pulastya, the sage, then begins to recount another ancient tale: how Pushkara, the holy place, was established by Rama. Long ago, Rama, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, departed from Chitrakuta and arrived at the ashram of the eminent sage Atri. Rama respectfully questioned the sage, asking, “Which are the holy places, O great sage, and what is the sacred field? Tell me of that place where, having gone, a man does not experience separation from yogins or his own kin. Through this exile in the forest, the king’s death, and separation from Bharata, I am tormented by these three sorrows.” Atri listened, meditated deeply, and responded, “Well asked, O hero and enhancer of the Raghus’ line. My father established the renowned tīrtha called Pushkara. There are two famous mountains—the boundary-sacrifice mountains—and between them lie three sacred pools: the eldest, the middle, and the youngest. Go there and satisfy your father Dasaratha with the offering of ancestral cakes. It is the foremost of holy places and the best of all sacred fields. There is also the delightful Aviyoga well, and another auspicious well with pure water. By offering ancestral cakes in these places, the fathers attain liberation; this was declared by the Grandsire at the time of the great flood. Go there, O Raghava, and perform the rites repeatedly.” Upon hearing this, Rama resolved to journey to Pushkara. He crossed the Ṛkṣa mountains, then the city of Vaidīśa, and forded the river Carmaṇvatī, eventually reaching the Yajña mountain. Swiftly passing beyond, he stood at the middle Pushkara, where he satisfied his ancestors with water and honored all the gods. After his ritual bath, Rama, wise and attentive, saw the eminent sage Markandeya arriving with his disciples. Approaching him respectfully, Rama asked, “O lord, in which direction is the well that grants freedom from separation? I am Dasaratha’s son, known as Rama among men. By Atri’s instruction, I have come to see that well of good fortune. May you tell me its location and those of the auspicious wells.” Markandeya replied, “Well done, O Raghava; may you be blessed. You have acted righteously in coming here on pilgrimage to these holy places. Come, see your own well that removes separation. In this very well, freedom from separation arises for all, both in the next world and in this, whether living or dead.” Hearing these words, Rama remembered King Dasaratha, Bharata together with Shatrughna, his mothers, and the citizens of Ayodhya. As he was lost in thought, dusk arrived, and Rama, along with the sages, performed the evening worship. He spent the night there with his brothers and their wives. At dawn, upon waking, Rama found himself, it is said, in Ayodhya, together with his father, mother, and others, after the wedding ceremony, surrounded by many relatives. He was seated with his wife, encircled by sages; Lakshmana and Sita also saw him in this way. In the morning, the sages recounted all that had happened, affirming its truth to Rama, “So it is, O best of the Raghu dynasty, this is true.” It is prescribed that upon seeing the deceased in a dream, one must perform the śrāddha rite, for the ancestors desire increase and long for food. They grant such visions to the devoted, and thus, O Raghava, there is no separation for you from your brothers, your father, or Bharata. Such is the story of Pushkara, its sacred springs, and the blessings bestowed upon those who seek its holiness.