Even those weighed down by the most grievous sins—even the slaying of a Brahmin and other terrible offenses—can find hope, for there is a most sacred city of Vishnu, O twice-born sage, whose greatness is beyond ordinary understanding. This foremost city does not rest upon the earth like other places; its very nature is extraordinary. Who, indeed, can fully describe the majesty of this city, O treasure of austerity? The city begins at Sahasradhara and stretches one yojana to the east. To the south and north, its boundaries are marked by the Sarayu River up to the river Asā. This city, O Brahmin, is said to be shaped like a fish and is declared to be the very abode of Vishnu. On its western side, its head is marked by the place called Gopratāra. Its rear lies to the east, and its central part is between the southern and northern boundaries. Its ancient glory is well-known, and it shines there in supreme distinction. O tiger among sages, you may wonder: how did this city come to be celebrated as such? Hear now the story as it was revealed. Once there lived a foremost Brahmin named Vishnusharman. Always devoted to yoga and meditation, he was steadfast in the worship of Vishnu. Believing with all his heart that Vishnu truly dwelt in Ayodhya, Vishnusharman journeyed there, seeking the Lord’s presence. In his mind, he resolved to undertake severe austerities, and with great courage, he began his penance. During the scorching summer, he stood amidst five blazing fires, practicing the most difficult forms of self-discipline. He bathed according to the sacred rules and performed worship of Vishnu as prescribed in the scriptures. With his mind firmly fixed on the Lord, he mastered his breath as required for deep meditation. Within himself, he visualized the radiant circles of the sun, the moon, and fire, just as the sacred texts instruct. He meditated upon Vishnu, beholding him clad in yellow garments and bearing the conch, discus, and mace. He contemplated Hari in the form of Brahma and recited the powerful twelve-syllable mantra. Immersed in this deep meditation, the excellent Brahmin composed a hymn in praise of Hari, worshipping Nārāyaṇa with unwavering devotion. Vishnusharman prayed: “Be gracious, Lord of gods; be gracious, lotus-eyed one. Victory to Krishna! Victory to the inconceivable one! Victory to Vishnu, the imperishable! Victory to the remover of sin, to the one who dispels the fever of birth! Salutations to the lord of all, to the lord of beings, to the slayer of Kaitabha. Salutations to the god of gods, 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 this pure devotion, Vishnu, the very soul of the universe, appeared before Vishnusharman, riding on Garuda. He was Achyuta, holding the conch, discus, and mace, adorned in radiant yellow garments. The Lord spoke: “O wise one, by this hymn your sins are now destroyed. Choose a boon, O foremost of Brahmins, for I stand before you as the grantor of wishes.” Vishnusharman replied, “O Lord of the universe, grant me unwavering and exclusive devotion to you.” The Blessed Lord said, “You indeed possess unwavering devotion to me—the Vaishnavi devotion that bestows liberation. O highly fortunate one, this place shall become renowned by your name.” Then, from the realm of the netherworld, the Lord revealed the sacred waters of the Ganga. With that pure water, the ocean of compassion himself performed ablutions. From that time onward, O twice-born, this place became known as Cakra-tirtha. By bathing there and giving gifts, a person attains the world of Vishnu. Afterward, the Blessed Lord again addressed Vishnusharman, declaring that Vishnuhari, famed as the bestower of liberation to devotees, is eternally established in that holy place.