On the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month of Māgha, bathing at this sacred place is said to be especially meritorious. Yet, even at other times, immersion in these holy waters brings about the destruction of all sins. Long ago, at this sin-cleansing tīrtha on the banks of the Sarayū, there was a holy site known as Sahasradhārā—the “Thousand Streams”—famed as the destroyer of all sins. It was here that a devotee, through the power of yoga, relinquished his life and attained the exalted state of Śeṣa, the cosmic serpent. The measure of that sacred spot was known to be three and a half hastas, according to the standard length of a bow. Curiosity stirred in the heart of Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, and he inquired further, saying, “Hearing of the greatness of this holy place, my mind is not satisfied. Please tell me the origin of the Sahasradhārā tīrtha, as recounted by the illustrious Udaya.” In answer, the ancient tale was revealed: Long ago, Rāma, the lord of the Raghu dynasty, having fulfilled the task of the gods, resolved within himself, “I must quickly abandon this mortal form.” As he contemplated this profound decision, Lakṣmaṇa stood at his door. Sensing Lakṣmaṇa’s presence and perceiving his hunger, Rāma swiftly approached and spoke to him with affection, instructing him not to act otherwise regarding this command, for one who seeks to accomplish a purpose must adhere to the given instruction. Lakṣmaṇa was then informed that a sage awaited an audience with Rāma. Having determined the proper time, Rāma respectfully received the eminent sage Durvāsas and sent him forth with due honor. Lakṣmaṇa, ever heroic and steadfast, carried out Rāma’s command without deviation. He went to the sacred waters, bathed, and settled into deep meditation. Then, before him, appeared the lord of the gods, Indra, magnificently adorned and accompanied by the immortals, arriving from the celestial realms. Lakṣmaṇa, steadfast in truth, was blessed to attain the state of being Śeṣa himself. Indra spoke: “Lakṣmaṇa, rise quickly and ascend to your own abode. Attain the supreme, eternal Vaiṣṇava realm.” As Lakṣmaṇa’s thousand-hooded form pierced the earth in a thousand places, the earth was scorched by the radiance of his thousand-jeweled hoods. Thus, this place became renowned as Sahasradhāra—the “Thousand Streams”—without doubt. The sacred site’s measure was declared to be twenty-five bows in length, and one who is purified from all sins here attains the world of Viṣṇu. Here, a wise person who bathes and worships the imperishable Śeṣa attains great merit. Therefore, one should bathe at this tīrtha, following the prescribed rites. With faith, one should offer gold, food, and garments. This is a great sacred ford, bestowing the fulfillment of all desires. In the month of Śrāvaṇa, on the fifth day of the bright fortnight, a grand festival was held by the virtuous, preceded by the worship of Śeṣa. Having satisfied the twice-born with devotion, the worship of the Nāga was performed first. Those who, with focused minds, bathe here during the month of Vaiśākha, or diligently perform rites during Mādhava, are granted the fruits of all desires. Whoever donates a well-adorned, milch cow here, dedicated to Viṣṇu, will dwell eternally in the everlasting world of Viṣṇu. Here, the faithful should especially worship, seeking the pleasure of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa and, above all, the attainment of Lakṣmī herself. All the sacred places gather together and abide here, so that the great fruit of bathing in all tīrthas is obtained at this spot. Thus, Śeṣa was established at this tīrtha, which is capable of removing the burdens of the earth.