In the sacred lands, bathing before Nārāyaṇa, at holy fields, revered places, or in the pure rivers, is a practice held in the highest esteem. Those who make it their daily ritual to bathe in such sanctified waters are blessed, for they attain the abode of Viṣṇu himself. All the holy places and sanctuaries spread across the earth are imbued with spiritual power, but among them, certain sites shine with exceptional glory. Men who bathe at Karkastha and Divānātha are especially fortunate, for when the Cāturmāsya season arrives, the divine presence dwells there. O Maheśānna, it is declared that no other god grants liberation except Janārdana. There is no holy place on earth, dear one, that equals Karkarāja in sanctity. This truth has been proclaimed by Brahmā and Bhārgava, and indeed, our own most splendid abode lies there as well. For as long as one remains at Karkarāja, liberation is assured—there can be no doubt. Yet, it is also said that a prolonged stay in Yama’s realm may result, and this too is certain. Therefore, having pledged oneself, one should dedicate their worship at Karkarāja. Afterwards, redemption is achieved with clarified butter and gold, and then one may depart. Whoever bathes in the waters of the Śiprā at Karkarāja receives the merit of bathing at all the holy places, rivers, and oceans on earth. Among these, Karkarāja is regarded as the most superior. Whoever listens to or recites this sacred story receives its blessings. Ṛṣabha, the foremost of mountains, is attended by gods and gandharvas. There, O twice-born one, the lovely celestial maidens are always at play. A man who bathes at this holy place becomes truly fortunate. On the eighth day of the bright half of Bhādrapada, when the moon resides in the Maitra constellation, whoever performs the prescribed rites, O Vyāsa, attains the eternal worlds. This site is renowned as Bindusaras, bestower of all desired boons. O son of Satyavatī, the excellent rivers converge there, and at that holy place, worship is continually performed. In Bhādrapada, the bright fourth day is especially proclaimed for worship. The place known as Manaḥkāmeśvara, bestower of all desires, grants fulfillment to one who attains a hundred wishes. O great sage, the holy places and liṅgas in Avanti are countless. Even Svayambhū, the four-faced Brahmā, could describe them only as many as the drops that fall from the clouds. No one can state the number of stars in the sky, nor the full measure of Avanti’s sanctity. In both sky and earth, this city is itself a holy place. Rivers, lakes, and wells—these are all sacred in every way. Now, let me tell you the principal matters. He who rises every morning, pure and with a disciplined mind, adorning himself with fragrances, sesame, and rice grains, and who performs the rites during the months of Ūrja, Mādhava, Vaiśākha, and Āṣāḍha, at the holy place of whichever deity, in the presence of that deity, and according to the prescribed method, attains all the desired results.