Certainly, one who follows these sacred rites will win the favor of Rati and Manmatha, the divine couple of love and delight. The journey begins with a ritual bath—first in the holy waters of Ratikuṇḍa, then in the auspicious Kaṃdarppa-kuṇḍa. After these purifying ablutions, sincere worship of Rati and Kaṃdarppa should be performed with special devotion, for it is said that through such worship, all desires are fulfilled without a doubt. The offerings must be fragrant and pure: sandalwood paste, aguru, camphor, musk, saffron, and other pleasing substances are to be used. When these rites are performed with care, there is no question—the satisfaction of Rati and Kaṃdarppa is assured. From there, the pilgrim proceeds to Kusumāyudha-kuṇḍa, the sacred pool situated to the west. Here, after bathing in the sanctified waters and beholding the Lord of Mantras—the Supreme Being—one is drawn into a realm of deep spiritual potency. In ancient times, Rāma himself, having accomplished the gods’ great task, performed a flawless rite at this very spot. With his senses fully mastered, he bathed there and prepared to ascend to heaven. To the north of this hallowed place lies a lake of exquisite beauty, adorned with white lotuses and blue lilies, resplendent in its serenity. At this site stands Maṃtreśvara, whose greatness surpasses all description; there has never been, nor will there ever be, a liṅga equal to Maṃtreśvara. This sacred symbol must be anointed with fragrant flowers, incense, various ointments, and blossoms. When such worship is done, liberation itself rests in the devotee’s hand. By worshipping Maṃtreśvara, a wise person is freed from every sin. This worship, performed with great effort, is the key to attaining all one’s goals—even in the face of dangers such as explosions and other calamities. North of this place is the renowned goddess Vanditī. Those who are bound by an angry king, held in chains and shackles, should especially seek her blessings. A pilgrimage to Vanditī must be undertaken with care and devotion. She is to be honored with scents, flowers, incense, and the light of lamps. For the joy of those imprisoned, a meal should be offered to brāhmaṇas in her name. Further north lies the sacred Cuḍakī, famed across the earth. In times of uncertainty or imminent danger, people should come before her and make a sound with their thumbs—a gesture of supplication and hope. The offering of lamps to Cuḍakī is especially praised, for it grants all desires. Turning eastward, there is another excellent holy place. Here, the twice-born—through bathing, giving, and worship—observe the annual pilgrimage on the auspicious fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhādra. This supreme tirtha is known as Mahāratna. Even women are encouraged to keep a night vigil festival here; all should bathe with devotion and effort. In the southwest direction lies the auspicious lake called Durbhara. Bathing in its waters ensures that a person attains the realm of heaven. After bathing in these two holy pools, worship of Śiva must be performed, using fragrant substances and auspicious flowers. Meditating together upon Śiva, one becomes purified and sinless. Such worship, O sage, frees a person from every sin. Whoever undertakes these rites with faith on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in Bhādra, whoever acts with devotion, will dwell in the world of Śiva. Both Viṣṇu and Rudra, the eternal deities, are exceedingly pleased with such a devotee. Therefore, what more need be said? This holy place is truly unsurpassed.