Because of the immense power of accumulated merit, there was never any cause for harm or downfall among those devoted souls. Thus, released by the force of this merit, the brahmin once again attained the exalted path that leads to Brahman. In his mind, questions arose: “What truly is penance? What is charity? What is the value of visiting sacred places and observing vows? By what power of merit does one’s vow remain unbroken?” He pondered deeply, seeking the source of unwavering righteousness. It was then revealed to him the sacred site where Rudra’s lake had been proclaimed by a seer of truth. O best among the twice-born, it is said that at that holy place, countless crores of tirthas—holy bathing spots—exist, each sanctified and powerful. To the north of this revered site lies Sutīrtha, known as the fulfiller of all desires. Simply by beholding Sutīrtha, one receives the fruits of all sacrifices performed. Inspired by these words, the brahmin journeyed to the river Kumudvatī. There, immediately upon arrival, this foremost of brahmins attained the virtuous worlds, rewarded for his devotion and faith. Thus concludes the sixty-eighth chapter, entitled “The Description of the Greatness of Akhaṇḍeśvara,” from the section extolling the glory of the Avanti region, in the fifth book of the grand Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Long ago, this very account was narrated by Brahmā himself in response to the sage Mārkaṇḍeya’s inquiry. “Listen, dear child,” Brahmā said, “upon the earth’s surface flows the river Śiprā, most divine among rivers. Merely beholding her brings about the destruction of even the gravest sins. At her sacred banks, the radiant Sun, supreme among those who travel southward, has also arrived. There, even yogis who have passed from this world continue their journey onward. Yet, O scorcher of foes, unless certain rites are observed, even for them, a good destination is not assured—this is the truth. For their deliverance, this holy place has been established. In this spot, the entire universe—moving and unmoving, O Lord of the world—is encompassed. During the four sacred months when Hari, the Supreme Being, is said to sleep, the practice of dharma is especially prescribed. Simply by hearing these teachings in the land of Bhārata, liberation becomes easily attainable for all. This Lord grants liberation and is the cause that enables souls to cross over the ocean of worldly existence. Human birth itself is rare, and to be born in a noble lineage is rarer still. Yet, where there is no association with the virtuous, no devotion to Viṣṇu, and no observance of vows, all merit is rendered fruitless—especially so for one who neglects the sacred vows during the four months. Those who take refuge in Viṣṇu remain steadfast when these months arrive. With a well-nourished body and a pure heart, such a person’s life is auspicious. All his purposes are fulfilled, and the gods themselves grant him boons throughout his life. It is said that hundreds of sins residing in his body are destroyed without a doubt, especially during the four months when Janārdana, the Lord, sleeps. If a man bathes—O best of the twice-born—on the day of Karkarā, purifies himself, and at the outset follows the path to liberation, he is greatly blessed. This holds true whether he bathes in a waterfall, a well, a pond, or a lake. Whoever bathes daily in these waters finds his sins destroyed. Therefore, rivers are declared more sacred than all other tirthas by both gods and demons. Whoever bathes during the four months attains even greater merit, especially at the confluence of the Reva and the eastern ocean, in the sacred field of the Sun. Even if one bathes for a single day during these months, he is not subject to suffering. But when the Lord of the universe sleeps, sin increases a thousandfold. If one, having broken through the body born of karma, neglects even a moment or half a moment during these months, he loses the chance to attain the world of Viṣṇu. On the other hand, whoever bathes with water mixed with sesame or with water from the bilva tree, or remembers the Ganga daily near a water source, is sanctified. It is also remembered that the sacred Ganga flows from the toe of the Lord of gods, sanctifying all who recall her presence. Thus, the greatness of these holy places, sacred times, and righteous actions is revealed, guiding sincere souls toward liberation and everlasting merit.