Once, the sages journeyed to the sacred site called Ṛṇamocana, nestled on the banks of the river Sarayū. This holy place was distinguished by the Brahma-pond, which had been constructed with seven hundred bows—a feat of remarkable devotion. In ancient times, the eminent sage Lomaśa had resided there. It was at this very spot that Lomaśa, burdened by debts, was freed from them; his sins departed, and he found liberation. Such are the profound virtues of Ṛṇamocana, the foremost among sacred places. Here, by simply bathing, all creatures are released from the suffering caused by debts. The threefold debt of men—worldly and otherworldly—is removed at this site. Ṛṇamocana stands as the best of all tīrthas, instantly producing conviction in the heart. Therefore, it is prescribed that one should bathe here and offer gifts according to one’s ability, as tradition dictates. Gold, garments, and other offerings should be given, as one can afford. Agastya, continuing his narration, spoke of the greatness of this sacred place, recounting the story of Lomaśa. Thus, the virtues of Ṛṇamocana were described, and its location made clear: to the east, within the waters of the Sarayū. Nearby, another tīrtha called Pāpamocana was established, created with two hundred bows. Its sanctity arises instantly—there can be no doubt about its power. Agastya himself witnessed the supreme greatness of this place. There, he saw a brāhmaṇa named Narahari, who was born in the land of the Pāñcālas. Narahari had committed various sins, including the grave act of killing a brāhmaṇa. Yet, through association with the virtuous, Narahari became inclined toward pilgrimage. Accompanied by good people, Narahari bathed at the sin-cleansing holy place. As he did so, a shower of flowers descended from the sky, falling upon his head—a marvelous sign. Witnessing this wonder, Agastya himself was filled with awe. Bathing at Pāpamocana on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Māgha is especially meritorious, though at other times as well, bathing here leads to the destruction of all sins. Long ago, at this sin-cleansing place in the waters of the Sarayū, one named Sahasradhārā, destroyer of all sins, by his yogic power, relinquished his life and attained the state of Śeṣa. The measure of this tīrtha is known: three and a half hastas, according to the standard of a bow. Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, curious about these wonders, inquired further, saying that hearing of the greatness of these holy places never satisfied his mind. He asked Agastya to recount the origin of the Sahasradhārā tīrtha, as told by the great Udaya. Agastya narrated that, long ago, Rāma, the lord of the Raghu dynasty, having accomplished the task of the gods, resolved to quickly abandon his earthly form. As Rāma deliberated, Lakṣmaṇa stood at the door, overcome with hunger. Rāma, coming swiftly, affectionately spoke to his brother Lakṣmaṇa, instructing him not to act otherwise regarding the task at hand. Lakṣmaṇa was informed that someone awaited Rāma, desiring an audience. Rāma, after consulting the proper time, went outside and respectfully sent forth the eminent sage Durvāsas himself. Then Lakṣmaṇa, heroic and steadfast, carried out Rāma’s command without deviation. He journeyed to the holy place, bathed, and quickly settled into meditation. At that moment, the lord of the gods, Indra, adorned with a thousand hoods, appeared—arriving from the world of the gods together with the immortals. Lakṣmaṇa, unwavering in his commitment to truth, attained the state of being Śeṣa. Thus are the wonders and virtues of these sacred places on the banks of the Sarayū, where liberation from debts and sins is granted, and where the stories of sages and gods unfold in sanctity.