In the heart of the sacred space, a great light was offered with supreme devotion, illuminating the center with its brilliance. A new cloth, spotless and either pure white or bright red, was chosen for the ritual—its purity reflecting the sincerity of intention. This cloth was carefully placed upon a bed of rice flour, ensuring that it neither spilled nor trembled, embodying stability and auspiciousness. Arranged beautifully upon lotus petals, it enhanced the splendor of the offering and was intended for the fulfillment of all desires. The ground was first cleansed and smeared with cow dung, then anointed again with fragrant water, sanctifying the area for the rites to come. Cool, pure water was brought, and eight beautiful water pots were filled. Into these pots, honey, ghee, curd, and milk were added, beginning from the southwest corner and proceeding to the southern end, each step performed with unwavering devotion. These offerings were then presented in proper order—to the Prajapatis, the departed souls, Indra, and the ancestors—honoring all who deserved reverence. In addition, gifts of cows, gold, silver, cloth, fruits, roots, barley, and grain were offered to the foremost twice-born who were learned, to those who knew the Purāṇas, and to the Brahmins, as was proper. The air was filled with the presence of celestial vimānas, attended by hosts of radiant Apsarās, blessing the occasion. This sacred place was renowned as the foremost of all holy bathing sites, celebrated throughout the three worlds. One who bathed there and beheld the great Lord would be freed from all sins—not only for himself but for his entire lineage. Bathing at Jaṭāśṛṅga, becoming pure and with senses controlled, and performing the great penance at the outset, one should then proceed to worship Shiva. Those who bathed at Indratīrtha and beheld Indreśvara Shiva, or who beheld Kundeśvara with devotion and meditated upon Shiva, or who bathed at Gopatīrtha and beheld Gopeśvara Shiva, or who, after bathing at Cipiṭātīrtha, bowed to Shiva, and those who bathed at Vijaya and worshipped Ānandeśvara—all these were blessed. Another sacred place, established at Kuśasthalī, was to be described. Once, from Citrakūṭa, Rāma departed with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Wherever he journeyed, he never felt separated from his loved ones, even amidst the sorrow of exile and the death of his father, the great lord. Hearing the words spoken by Rāghava, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas replied, "Well asked by you, O hero, enhancer of the Raghus’ line." "O Rāma," he continued, "in the land of Avanti, there is a city called Kuśasthalī. That god who presides there always bestows the fruits of all desired aims. The Brāhmaṇas who go there, and the mighty king as well, are blessed, for it is the foremost of holy places within Avanti." There, after bathing, Rāma offered oblations to his ancestors. Then, a bodiless voice—the voice of the god of gods—was heard: "This place has been given by me; do not doubt, O Rāghava. You have been favored, O son of Sumitrā, by the god Śambhu." Hearing these words, Lakṣmaṇa established Śaṃkara at that spot. Rāma then called out, "Come, Lakṣmaṇa, quickly bring water from the Śiprā." Lakṣmaṇa, ever vigilant, asked, "What will you do with Sītā?" Rāma replied, "She stands before me, nourished, strong, and full-bodied.