Agastya continued his narration, saying: After describing the greatness of the sacred places, the eminent sage Lomaśa spoke further. He explained that the tīrtha called Ṛṇamocana, famed for releasing devotees from all debts, lies to the east within the waters of the Sarayū river. He also spoke of another holy site, the tīrtha named Pāpamocana, which is said to have a length equal to two hundred bows. This sacred place manifests instantly for the pure-hearted—there should be no doubt of its power. Lomaśa recounted that he himself had witnessed the supreme greatness of these holy sites. Among the pilgrims was a brāhmaṇa named Narahari, born in the land of the Pāñcālas. Unfortunately, Narahari had committed many grievous sins, including the most severe of all—brahmahatyā, the slaying of another brāhmaṇa. Yet, by the grace of virtuous association, Narahari developed a yearning to undertake pilgrimage. Accompanied by noble-hearted companions, Narahari journeyed to the sin-cleansing tīrtha. There, he bathed in the holy waters. To everyone’s astonishment, a shower of celestial flowers rained down upon his head from the sky. Witnessing this wondrous event, Lomaśa himself marveled at the power of the tīrtha. Lomaśa then explained that bathing at this sacred place on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month of Māgha is especially meritorious, though at any time, a sincere bath here destroys all sins. In ancient times, another remarkable event took place at this holy site on the Sarayū. There, a great being known as Sahasradhārā, the destroyer of all sins, gave up his life through yogic power and attained the exalted state of Śeṣa, the thousand-hooded serpent. The measure of this tīrtha, Lomaśa noted, is three and a half hastas, as measured by a bow. Hearing of these wonders, the wise Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, ever curious, asked Lomaśa to tell him more. “Hearing of the greatness of these holy places, my mind is never satisfied,” he confessed. “Please tell me the origin of the Sahasradhārā tīrtha, beginning from the great Udaya.” Lomaśa narrated: Long ago, after fulfilling the divine mission of the gods, Rāma, the lord of the Raghu dynasty, resolved that he must quickly renounce his earthly existence. As he contemplated this, his brother Lakṣmaṇa stood at the door, awaiting him. Sensing Lakṣmaṇa’s hunger and devotion, Rāma approached him with affection and instructed him not to deviate from the path of duty, especially when a purpose is to be fulfilled. Lakṣmaṇa informed Rāma that the great sage Durvāsas waited outside, seeking an audience. After consulting the proper time, Rāma went forth and respectfully received the sage Durvāsas. Once the sage had been honored, Lakṣmaṇa, ever obedient and heroic, carried out Rāma’s command without hesitation. Lakṣmaṇa then journeyed to the holy place, bathed in the sacred waters, and entered deep meditation. In that moment, Indra, lord of the gods, appeared before him, adorned with a thousand hoods and accompanied by the immortals. Indra addressed Lakṣmaṇa, who was steadfast in truth, and said, “Rise quickly, Lakṣmaṇa, and ascend to your own divine abode. Attain the supreme, eternal Vaiṣṇava realm.” In that instant, Lakṣmaṇa attained the state of Śeṣa, the thousand-hooded serpent. With his mighty coils, Śeṣa pierced the earth in a thousand places, and the brilliance from his thousand jewelled hoods scorched the ground. This spot became renowned as Sahasradhāra—the “Thousand Streams”—without doubt. The sacred place of Sahasradhāra measures twenty-five bows in length. It is said that anyone who bathes here, purified from all sins, attains the world of Viṣṇu. The wise, when bathing and worshipping the imperishable Śeṣa at this tīrtha, are greatly blessed. Therefore, one should bathe here according to the prescribed rites, and with faith, offer gold, food, and garments. Thus, this tīrtha is celebrated as a great sacred ford, bestowing the fruits of all desires. Especially in the month of Śrāvaṇa, on the fifth day of the bright fortnight, its merits are multiplied. This is the glory and sanctity of the tīrthas on the Sarayū, as revealed by the sages.