In the ancient times, as recounted in the Purāṇas and all revered scriptures, it is said that the dreadful sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa can be destroyed by performing the Aśvamedha sacrifice. Yet, there was one who spoke with deep remorse, confessing, “By my own cruel hand, I have slain countless living beings—women, the elderly, children, and, most grievously, my own mother.” Burdened by these heavy sins, he paused in reflection and then journeyed to Mount Raivataka, seeking redemption. But even there, the stain of killing, born from the destruction of so many lives, clung to him and would not depart. He wandered further, undertaking pilgrimages to the Sahya mountains, the beautiful Himalayas, and the sacred hermitage at Badarikāśrama. He bathed in the holy waters of the Yamunā, the Candrabhāgā, and the Gaṅgā, the river of three paths. He visited the Viśālā, the Kapilā, the Durgā, and the deep, auspicious Gomatī. He traveled to the sacred sites of Gayā, Kurukṣetra, Naimiṣa, and also Puṣkara. Even after completing all these pilgrimages, Bhārgava, still tormented by sorrow, sat in deep reflection. “The sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa has not left me,” he lamented. “All my righteous deeds seem fruitless. If this is so, how has my destruction come about?” At that very moment, the venerable sage Nārada, foremost among sages, appeared before him. Bhārgava’s face was downcast, his mind restless and anxious, thoughts swirling again and again. He addressed Nārada, saying, “O divine sage, hear my supreme words. Because of my father’s defeat, I have slain the rulers of the earth. I have destroyed the worlds relentlessly, without mercy or sorrow. I have performed sacrifices, completed the Aśvamedha, and given many gifts. I have practiced austerities on mountains, made offerings, and recited sacred texts without interruption. Yet, if killing has occurred, none of these lead to the highest state; all such acts are rendered fruitless.” Hearing these words, the venerable Nārada replied, “O Rāma, why do you not now remember Hari, your true self? You yourself have spoken before of the destruction of brahmahatyā. In that sacred place, the great liṅga destroys the sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa. There dwells Jaṭeśvara, the greatly fortunate one, bestower of all accomplishments.” Recalling Nārada’s words and that supreme field, Bhārgava quickly made his way, O goddess, to the great Kālavaṇa. There, from the midst of the liṅga, I graciously emerged at that time. I spoke to Jāmadagnya, saying, “I grant you your desired boon.” In response, he prayed, “May my devotion to your lotus feet, O goddess, ever be abundant.” Thus was I addressed by him, O Pārvatī, as he was pleased. From this day forth, the god will be renowned by your name. Those who worship with devotion the supreme god Rāmeśvara, for them, all sins from birth are destroyed in that very instant. He alone is virtuous and worthy of worship, both in this world and the next. Those who rejoice in the god’s sight and worship likewise—even the most terrible sin, the killing of a thousand Brāhmaṇas—and the rare fruits that are difficult for Brāhmaṇas to obtain through great sacrifices like the Vājapeya, all these are granted. Heroes who lay down their lives in battle for the sake of cows and Brāhmaṇas have always conquered the worlds, just as Rāma conquered the three worlds. Thus, O goddess, I have revealed to you the glory that destroys all sin. Then Śrī Viśvanātha spoke, “By whose mere sight, one does not fall from heaven—O Pārvatī, listen. Cyavana is the name of the illustrious son of the great sage Bhṛgu. On the beautiful bank of the Vitastā river, he practiced austerities for many years. As time passed, O goddess, his body became entirely covered with ants.