He remained there for three nights, carefully observing all the sacred rites of pilgrimage as prescribed. As he arrived, radiant and filled with abundant joy, his presence inspired a surge of supreme bliss within you at that very moment. Overwhelmed by this nourishment of joy, you wondered aloud, “Why has such happiness arisen in you, O Brahman? Pray, tell me.” Agastya replied, “O most excellent sage, truly, this is a wondrous marvel! At this very moment, a flood of joy wells up within me. It is the supreme greatness and the abundant virtues of the great city of Ayodhya that fill me with such delight. Please, tell me in detail about the order of pilgrimage here: which are the sacred places, and what is the proper procedure? O best of speakers, enlighten me.” In response, the sage declared, “By your question, the glory of Ayodhya is indeed revealed. Know this: the letter ‘A’ in its name is said to be Brahma, and the letter ‘Ya’ is called Vishnu. Even those burdened with the gravest sins—even the killing of a Brahmin and other great offenses—find refuge here. This foremost city of Vishnu, O twice-born, does not even touch the earth. Who can truly describe the greatness of this city, O treasure of austerity? Its expanse begins at Sahasradhara and stretches one yojana to the east. To its south and north, the Sarayu river marks 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 Vishnu’s own. To the west, its head is marked by the place called Gopratāra. Its rear lies to the east, and its center lies between the south and north. Its ancient glory is well known, and it stands there in preeminence.” Curious, you asked, “O tiger among sages, how did this city come to be so renowned as you have described?” Agastya continued, “Once there lived a foremost Brahmin named Vishnusharman. Ever devoted to yoga and meditation, steadfast in the worship of Vishnu, he came to Ayodhya, believing with all his heart that Vishnu truly dwells there. Resolving to undertake great austerities, he contemplated deeply within himself. During the heat of summer, he stood amidst five blazing fires, performing severe penance. Having bathed according to the prescribed rites, he worshipped Vishnu as instructed, focusing his entire being on the Lord and mastering his breath as required. In his meditation, he visualized the sacred circles of the sun, moon, and fire as prescribed by tradition. He saw within his mind’s eye Vishnu, adorned in yellow garments, holding the conch, discus, and mace. Contemplating Hari in the form of Brahma, he recited the twelve-syllable mantra with devotion. Having thus meditated, the excellent Brahmin composed a hymn of praise to Hari. With unwavering devotion, Vishnusharman worshipped Nārāyaṇa, praying: ‘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. Victory to the remover of sin, victory to the one who dispels the fever of birth. Salutations to the lord of all, to the lord of beings, salutations to the slayer of Kaitabha. Salutations to the god of gods, salutations indeed to Nārāyaṇa. You are the mother of all worlds; you alone are the father of the universe. You are the offering, you are the utterance “vaṣaṭ”, you are the master, you are the fire of sacrifice. O Mādhava, bearer of the conch, discus, and mace, uplift me. Be gracious, O bearer of Mandara; be gracious, O slayer of Madhu.’ Moved by his devotion, Vishnu, the soul of the universe, appeared before him, riding upon Garuda. He was Achyuta, holding the conch, discus, and mace, clad in radiant yellow garments. O wise one, by this hymn, all your sins are now destroyed.