She went to the Yamunā River to bathe, seeking purification, but to her astonishment, its waters had dried up before her arrival. Undeterred, she made her way to the Plakṣajā, hoping to cleanse herself there. Yet, as soon as she stepped into its waters, they too vanished. Still longing for purification, she journeyed onward and reached the Saindhava forest, where she finally bathed as she wished. However, even after this bath, the fierce sin of brahmin-murder clung to her and would not leave. Jaladadhvaja, though endowed with self-control and the discipline of yoga, could not find release from this grievous sin. Seeking deliverance, he went to a sacred place and beheld the Lord who wields the discus, the one whose banner bears the eagle—Vāsudeva himself. With hands folded in deep reverence, Hara began to recite a hymn of praise: “O Vāsudeva, wielder of conch, discus, and mace, I bow to you. Salutations to you, O infinite, qualityless, unfathomable creator—supportless in both knowledge and ignorance, yet the very support of all. By you, O Lord, this entire world of moving and unmoving beings has been brought forth. Protector of all creatures, mighty-armed Janārdana, I bow to you. Lord of gods, endowed with virtues, all-pervading one, I bow to you. You are the wind, intellect, mind, and night; I bow to you. You are forgiveness, generosity, compassion, fortune, and self-restraint, O Lord. You are the upavedas; you are everything. I bow to you. “In this world, you are known to me as the compassionate one; save me, Keśava, from the bondage of sin. I am burned, I am lost, I have acted without reflection; purify me, for you are the holy ford. Salutations, salutations to you.” Hearing this plea, the Blessed Lord spoke words meant to remove the terrible sin of brahmin-murder—words that bestow auspiciousness, increase virtue, and wash away even the deepest stain of such a deed. The Lord declared that he dwells eternally at Prayāga, famed as Yogaśāyin, and that Varuṇā is renowned there as the remover of all sins, auspicious and pure. These two rivers, the greatest among all streams, became honored throughout the world; there is nothing like them in the sky, on earth, or in the netherworld. Even those who indulge in worldly pleasures, O Lord, can find dissolution of sin there. Hearing of the pure musical quality of this holy place, teachers would laugh in delight. The moon itself went forth in wonder to see where the pond-lotus had departed. Even by day, the sun is veiled by long, splendid banners fluttering in the wind. Bees, embracing the spotless faces of women, do not wander to other flowers. In places where women gather for play, there is no union in the long-abiding houses; nor does the passion of young girls exert force, for there, intercourse is indeed forsaken. With the coming of youth, pride and intoxication arise in men and elephants alike. Among the stars, there is a lack of nobility; in prose, the loss of meter, O Lord. Those whose bodies are adorned with the moon, like you, O Śaṅkara, reside there as well. There dwells the restless Sun, remover of all sins. Going there, O best of gods, you will attain liberation from sin. Thus, Garuḍa swiftly journeyed to Vārāṇasī for the removal of sin. Having bathed at the sacred fords, freed from his burden, he went to see Keśava. He declared, “By your grace, O Hṛṣīkeśa, the sin of killing a Brahmin has been destroyed. I know the reason, but it is not proper for me to speak of it.” But then he added, “There is a reason, O Rudra; I will tell you everything.