On the banks of a most sacred river, where swift horses rivaling Uccaiḥśravas and mighty elephants like the guardians of the directions once roamed, there arose a land blessed by the birth of kings from the illustrious solar dynasty. Along these shores, the air was alive with the songs of bees and birds, their melodies mingling with the holy waters, creating an atmosphere of sanctity and delight. The river itself flowed with the very essence of dharma, its waters pure and bestowing blessings upon all who approached. It was from the southern tip of this sacred region that Jahnavi—the Ganga, beloved of Hari—first emerged, sanctifying the earth. Thus, these two rivers, the Sarayu and the Ganga, became the most revered among all waters, honored even by the gods themselves. In that hallowed time, the sage Agastya, born miraculously from a pot, journeyed to the city of Ayodhya. Having arrived, he undertook the prescribed pilgrimage, visiting each sacred place in the proper order. With devotion and care, he worshipped all the deities according to the ancient rites, fulfilling his spiritual purpose. Overjoyed by the greatness and holiness of the city, Agastya remained there for three nights, performing the pilgrimage as tradition demanded. As he arrived, radiant and filled with abundant joy, a wave of supreme bliss arose within the very land itself. Observing this, someone asked, “O Brahman, why has such nourishment of joy arisen in you? Tell me, what is the cause of this happiness?” Agastya replied, “O most excellent sage, truly this is a marvel beyond compare! It is at this very moment that a flood of joy has arisen within me, for I have witnessed the supreme greatness and countless virtues of this magnificent city of Ayodhya. Please, tell me in detail: what is the order of pilgrimage here? Which are the sacred places, and what is the proper procedure?” The sage addressed Agastya, “By your question, the glory of Ayodhya is revealed. Know that the letter ‘A’ is said to be Brahma, and the letter ‘Ya’ is called Vishnu. Even those burdened with the gravest sins—including the slaying of a Brahmin—are not untouched by the sanctity of this foremost city of Vishnu, O twice-born. Indeed, this city does not rest upon the earth like others.” “Who can truly describe the greatness of this city, O treasure of austerity? Its boundaries are vast: beginning from Sahasradhara, it extends one yojana to the east. To the south and north, the Sarayu forms its boundary up to the river Asā. This city, O Brahmin, is said to have the form of a fish and is declared to be the very abode of Vishnu. To the west, its head is marked by the place called Gopratāra. Its rear lies to the east, and its middle stretches between north and south. Its former glory is well known, and it stands preeminent among all cities.” Curious, the sage asked, “O tiger among sages, how did this city come to be so renowned?” Agastya replied, “There was once a foremost Brahmin named Vishnusharman, always devoted to yoga and meditation, and ever engaged in the worship of Vishnu. Believing that Vishnu himself truly dwells in Ayodhya, he journeyed to this holy city. Resolving to undertake severe austerities, he stood amidst five fires during the heat of summer, performing penance with great determination. After bathing according to the prescribed manner, he worshipped Vishnu as instructed, focusing his mind and controlling his breath as required.” “In his meditation, he visualized the sacred circles of the sun, the moon, and fire, as taught in the scriptures. He beheld Vishnu, clad in yellow garments, holding the conch, discus, and mace. Contemplating Hari in the form of Brahma, he recited the twelve-syllable mantra with devotion. Then, having meditated deeply, Vishnusharman composed a hymn of praise to Hari, worshipping Nārāyaṇa with unwavering devotion.” He prayed, “Be gracious, Lord of gods; be gracious, lotus-eyed one. Victory to Krishna, victory to the inconceivable one, victory to Vishnu, victory to the imperishable!” Thus, the greatness of Ayodhya and the devotion of Vishnusharman became known, revealing the city’s supreme sanctity and the boundless blessings bestowed upon those who seek the Lord with sincerity and faith.