During the sacred four months known as Cāturmāsya, the divine Lord Nārāyaṇa himself dwells within the waters, sanctifying them with his presence. It is during this period that bathing becomes especially auspicious, and it should be performed in ten prescribed ways. When one bathes while invoking the name of Viṣṇu, the fruits gained are exceedingly great. Indeed, any act of goodness or merit, however noble, loses its auspiciousness if performed without first bathing. Through the act of bathing, one attains purity and truth, and in truth abides the eternal dharma. Those who are holy, who know the Self, and who have mastered the essence of the Vedas, recognize this importance. For the one who has bathed, Hari himself dwells within them, assuming their very form. Bathing serves to destroy all sins and satisfies the deities. There are guidelines for when bathing should occur: one should not bathe at night or at twilight, except during the rare occasion of an eclipse. For all rites, purification is achieved by beholding the sun. If the body is incapable of bathing in water, then purification may be attained by bathing with sacred ashes. Bathing before Nārāyaṇa, in a sacred field, at holy places, or in rivers, is especially meritorious. A person who bathes daily is assured of reaching the abode of Viṣṇu. All holy places and sanctuaries upon the earth are revered, yet those who bathe at Karkastha and Divānātha are particularly blessed. When Cāturmāsya arrives, the Lord himself resides there. O Maheśānna, there is no other god who grants liberation besides Janārdana. No holy place on earth is equal to Karkarāja, beloved one. This truth has been proclaimed by Brahmā and Bhārgava, and our own most splendid abode is found there. For as long as one remains at Karkarāja, liberation is certain—there can be no doubt. Conversely, a long stay in Yama’s realm is produced if one neglects these rites. Thus, one should pledge oneself and dedicate their efforts at this holy site. Afterwards, having redeemed oneself with clarified butter and gold, one should depart. Whoever bathes in the waters of the Śiprā at Karkarāja gains the merit of all the holy places, rivers, and oceans upon the earth. Among them, Karkarāja is considered the supreme holy place. Whoever listens to or recites this sacred story is blessed. Ṛṣabha is the foremost of mountains, attended by gods and gandharvas, where lovely celestial maidens always play. One who bathes at that holy place becomes truly fortunate. On the eighth day of the bright half of Bhādrapada, when the moon is in the Maitra constellation, those who perform the rite attain the eternal worlds. The place is renowned as Bindusaras, bestower of all desired boons. O son of Satyavatī, the excellent rivers converge there, and worship is always performed at that holy site. In Bhādrapada, the bright fourth day is also proclaimed, and at Manaḥkāmeśvara, bestower of all desired boons, a man who attains a hundred wishes becomes a fulfiller of desires. How many holy places and shrines of the gods are there, O great sage? The holy places and liṅgas found in Avanti are so numerous and wondrous that even Svayambhū, the four-faced Brahmā, could scarcely describe them all.