With celestial vimanas attended by hosts of Apsaras, the sacred atmosphere was alive with divine presence. Among the holy bathing places, one shone as the foremost, renowned throughout the three worlds for its sanctity. At this sacred site, those who bathed and became pure, and who beheld the great Lord, were freed from all sins—not only themselves, but their entire lineage. One who bathed at Jaṭāśṛṅga, becoming pure and controlling their senses, and who performed the great penance at the beginning, would then proceed towards Shiva. Likewise, bathing at Indratirtha and beholding Indreshvara Shiva, or beholding Kundeshvara while devoted to meditation on Shiva, brought blessings. Bathing at Gopatirtha and beholding Gopeśvara Shiva, or at Cipiṭātirtha and bowing to Shiva, or at Vijaya by worship of Ānandeśvara—all these acts bestowed purity and merit. Now, another sacred site was described, established at Kuśasthalī. Once, from Citrakūṭa, Rāma departed together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Wherever they went, Rāma never felt separated from his relatives, even through the trials of forest exile and the death of his father, the lord. Hearing Rāma’s words, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas responded, “Well asked by you, O hero, enhancer of the Raghus’ line.” He explained, “In the land of Avanti, O Rāma, there is a city called Kuśasthalī. That god, O king, always bestows the fruits of desired aims. Brāhmaṇas and mighty kings who journey there find it the foremost of holy places, nestled within Avanti.” At this sacred site, after bathing, Rāma offered oblations to his ancestors. Then, a bodiless voice was heard, spoken by the god of gods: “This place has been given by me; do not doubt, O Rāghava. You have been favored, O son of Sumitrā, by the god Śambhu.” Upon hearing these divine words, Lakṣmaṇa established Śaṃkara there. Rāma instructed, “Come, Lakṣmaṇa, quickly bring water from the Śiprā.” But Lakṣmaṇa asked, “What will you do with Sītā?” Rāma replied, “She stands before me, nourished, strong, and full-bodied.” Hearing Lakṣmaṇa’s words, Rāma acted accordingly, and what Lakṣmaṇa had spoken, Sītā then carried out. Having spent the night there, Sītā set her mind on departing. But Saumitri spoke with resolve: “I will not go, by any means. I will not go ahead into the forest, nor to Ayodhya, by any means. How did you previously leave Ayodhya together with me? Let an error be made for my sake; lead me also, O Raghava.” Lakṣmaṇa then said to Rāma, “I will not go again to the forest.” Rāma replied, “Do not follow me, Saumitri; I will go alone into the woods.” Lakṣmaṇa, troubled in mind, took up his bow and rose at that moment. Rāma said, “Turn back, Saumitri, and hand over the bow to me.” Thus, the sacred journey, rich with devotion and resolve, unfolded in the blessed land.