Indra, the king of the gods, addressed Lakṣmaṇa with compassion and authority: “Rise quickly, Lakṣmaṇa, and ascend to your own, exalted abode. May you attain the supreme, eternal Vaiṣṇava realm.” At that very moment, the mighty Śeṣa, the thousand-hooded serpent, pierced the earth in a thousand places with his resplendent coils. Each of his hoods was adorned with shining jewels, and as he pressed them to the ground, the earth was scorched by their brilliance. Because of this wondrous event, this sacred place became known as Sahasradhāra—‘the Thousand Streams’—a name that would be celebrated throughout the ages. This holy site, measuring twenty-five bows in length, became a place where one purified of all sins could attain the world of Viṣṇu. Here, the wise who bathe and worship the imperishable Śeṣa, following the prescribed rites, are cleansed of their impurities. Faithful souls are encouraged to perform bathing rituals here, to offer gold, food, and garments with heartfelt devotion. Sahasradhāra is thus proclaimed a great and sacred ford, capable of bestowing the fruits of all desires. In the auspicious month of Śrāvaṇa, on the fifth day of the bright fortnight, the virtuous gathered to celebrate a grand festival, beginning with the worship of Śeṣa. The twice-born were honored with devotion, and the Nāga was venerated first, as tradition prescribes. Those who, with focused minds, bathe here in the month of Vaiśākha, or during the time of Mādhava, performing the proper rites, find their wishes fulfilled. The act of giving a well-adorned, milch cow here, dedicated to Viṣṇu, ensures eternal residence in Viṣṇu’s everlasting world. It is here that the faithful are urged to worship especially for the pleasure of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, and for the attainment of Lakṣmī herself. All sacred places are said to gather together at Sahasradhāra, so that bathing here brings the great merit of bathing in all tīrthas. Having established Śeṣa at this tīrtha, which is capable of removing the burden of the earth, the place attained supreme fame from that time onward. Especially on the bright fifth day in Śrāvaṇa, one who bathes at Sahasradhāra tīrtha attains heaven. Whoever, with reverence and to the best of their ability, performs bathing and charity here, following the prescribed methods, is blessed beyond measure. At this point, the sage Kṛṣṇadvaipāyana spoke sweetly: “Hearing your words, my mind has been filled with supreme joy. Please, as I listen, tell me truly of another excellent tīrtha.” Agastya replied, “O brāhmaṇa, listen as I recount for you another unsurpassed tīrtha. Only the Lord can fully describe the greatness of the gateway to heaven. From the thousand streams in the waters of the eastern Sarayu, the expanse of this gateway to heaven has been described by the wise masters of ancient lore. Hear the truth, the truth, and yet again the truth—my words are never false. Forsaking all other divine and earthly sacred places, one should especially perform the morning bath here. Creatures relinquish their lives within the gateway to heaven, O twice-born one. Behold this gateway to liberation, which grants men the attainment of heaven. The gateway to heaven is exceedingly difficult to reach—even the gods find it unattainable, there is no doubt. Here, at the gateway to heaven, supreme accomplishment is won; here, the supreme passage is gained. All meditation, study, and giving performed here become inexhaustible. The sins accumulated over a thousand lifetimes are washed away. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, those of mixed castes, worms, foreigners, others of impure birth, insects, ants, and all other beasts and birds—none are excluded from the grace found at this tīrtha.