Those who delight in beholding the Lord and worship Him accordingly are graced with a wondrous boon: even the most dreadful of sins—even the terrible crime of slaying a thousand brāhmaṇas—is washed away by such devotion. The rarest fruits, which brāhmaṇas strive for through great sacrifices like the Vājapeya and yet seldom attain, become accessible. Heroes who lay down their lives in battle for the sake of cows and brāhmaṇas, too, have always conquered the worlds, just as Rāma once triumphed over the three worlds. Thus, O goddess, I have revealed to you the glory that destroys all sin. Now, listen as I recount another tale of divine merit. Śrī Viśvanātha said: There is one, O Pārvatī, whose mere sight ensures that a soul does not fall from heaven. His name is Cyavana, the illustrious son of the great sage Bhṛgu. On the beautiful banks of the sacred river Vitastā, Cyavana engaged in deep austerities for many years. With the passage of time, his body became so still and absorbed in penance that it was soon covered by a mound of ants. It happened that, one day, Sukanyā, a princess, came to that very forest for pleasure, accompanied by her companions and adorned with splendid ornaments. Cyavana, though hidden beneath the ants, was surrounded by his four thousand consorts. As Sukanyā wandered, curiosity took hold of her mind. Not knowing what lay beneath the anthill, she picked up a thorn and, confused, prodded it. Instantly, Cyavana was pierced and felt excruciating pain in both eyes. At that very moment, the king—her father—was afflicted with great suffering, his bodily functions blocked and his distress evident. Disturbed by this sudden calamity, the king cried out, "Who among us has offended the great-souled Bhārgava? Speak now, whether knowingly or unknowingly, so we may set things right without delay." The king addressed his people with words both gentle and stern, seeking the truth. Seeing her father in such distress, Sukanyā stepped forward and spoke honestly: "Like a firefly, I noticed something shining and, not knowing what it was, I pierced it with a thorn." There she saw Cyavana, aged both in years and asceticism, and she humbly addressed him, "O lord, what this ignorant girl has done was out of ignorance, not malice. To make amends, I offer myself as your wife. Please accept me, best of the twice-born, and be gracious." Cyavana, appeased by her sincerity and the king's humility, replied, "If this is so, I accept her and forgive the offense, O king." Thus, Cyavana took Sukanyā as his wife, and his anger was soothed. Sukanyā, now joined to her husband, remained pure and steadfast, devoted to a life of asceticism. After some time, the two Ashvins—the divine twin physicians—approached. They beheld Sukanyā, radiant and beautiful as the daughter of the king of the gods. Greatly fortunate and unwavering in her devotion to Cyavana, Sukanyā greeted the Ashvins, who laughed and addressed her, saying, "O lovely one, you are neglected here, deprived of all enjoyment and the fulfillment of your desires. Do not waste your youth, O fair one, for the sake of your husband, like one with a divine womb." Sukanyā replied firmly, "I am devoted to Cyavana, the sage. Let there be no doubt about my fidelity." Hearing their words, she recounted all to her husband, the great Bhārgava. The Ashvins then spoke to the princess, "Let your husband enter the lake." At their urging, Cyavana entered the waters, and the Ashvins joined him. When they emerged, all three appeared in youthful, divine forms, adorned with celestial earrings, indistinguishable from one another. The Ashvins said together, "O auspicious one, choose any one among us as your husband." Sukanyā gazed at them, observing that all three stood before her in identical, resplendent forms...