Just as the brāhmaṇa is considered the foremost among the castes, so too is the confluence of sacred places held as the highest among holy sites. At such a place, one should bathe, give charity, and strive to conquer the senses according to one's ability; this is true for both men and women, who should perform the prescribed bath. Just as fire consumes everything—whether dry or moist—so too does the sanctity of this confluence purify all who come. On one side are all the sacred places, each bestowing its own particular merit, but the fruit of bathing at this confluence is said, according to tradition, to equal the merit of bathing at all the holy sites together. There is another sacred ford known as Gopratāra, O sinless one, where, through bathing and giving, a person is never beset by sorrow at any time. Just as the revered Maṇikarṇikā exists in Vārāṇasī, so too in Naimiṣa, the Cakravāpī is remembered as the foremost of sacred fords. It was at this place, by the command of Rāma, that the people of Sāketa city gathered. You may ask, O learned one, how Rāghava spoke of this, and how he, along with the people of his city, ascended to heaven. Once, after Rāma had accomplished the work of the gods, he remained tireless in his duties. Then, having learned through spies, the monkeys—who could assume any form—gathered. These monkeys were the sons of gods, gandharvas, and sages; all the leaders of the monkey troops came together and, following Rāma, addressed him, saying, “O best of men, if you go without us, O Rāma…” Hearing the words of those bears, monkeys, and rākṣasas, Rāma turned to Vibhīṣaṇa and said, “As long as living beings endure, O Vibhīṣaṇa, rule this kingdom; do not disregard my command.” Having spoken thus, the descendant of Kakutstha then addressed Hanuman, “As long as people speak of my story, O best of monkeys, let Mainda and Dvivida, both who have tasted the nectar, remain. Let the monkeys here protect our sons and grandsons as we depart together,” said Rāghava to them at that time. When night had ended, Rāma—the broad-chested, mighty-armed one—first approached the blazing sacrificial fires, all burning brightly. The radiant sage Vasiṣṭha, having considered everything in his mind, stood clothed in linen garments, steadfast in celibacy. The lord of men uttered neither auspicious nor inauspicious words. At Rāma’s left side, Śrī, with her lotus, took refuge. Various kinds of weapons, including bows and bowstrings, were present. The Veda, in the form of a Brāhmaṇa, and Sāvitrī stood at his right and left. The great-souled sages and all the mountains were present as well. Likewise, the women of the inner palace followed Kakutstha. Bharata, accompanied by Śatrughna and the women of the inner palace, set out. The great-souled Brāhmaṇas, with their sacrificial fires, went all around. The ministers, attended by their servants, with sons and relatives, also proceeded. Then all the people, surrounded by joyful and prosperous citizens, moved together. Likewise, all the subjects, with their sons and relatives, joined in this great journey.