Of the two sacred mountains, there exist stones of great power—one known as Viṣṇu-śilā and the other as Śiva-śilā. It was upon these stones that a deep wish was made: “May I have a son like you.” This heartfelt desire, a boon, was to be granted to Revā. O moon-marked one, it was ordained that in the form of a liṅga, with Gaṇeśa at the forefront, the goddess would be known as my other form, auspicious and water-formed—a jalamayī manifestation. Thus, Revā, having received the boon, came into my presence. Long ago, too, the river Gaṇḍakī undertook severe austerities for ten thousand years, O wise one. For a hundred divine years, she practiced tapas, meditating deeply upon Viṣṇu. Pleased by her unwavering devotion, the compassionate Lord—who loves his devotees—spoke gently to her: “O virtuous one, choose a boon with a steady heart.” Long ago, Gaṇḍakī beheld the Lord himself, the bearer of conch, discus, and mace. Overwhelmed, she exclaimed, “O Lord, I have seen you, who are difficult even for yogis to behold. You have entered me; thus you are called Puruṣa.” That Brahman—without beginning or end, infinite as proclaimed in the Vedas—is truly yours. The supreme power, remembered as the primal mother of the world, belongs to you. The Puruṣa is without qualities, unmanifest, pure consciousness, and stainless. By your own yogic power, you have become the agent of all actions. Even as this world is created by the three natural qualities, it is only through you. Just as a red hibiscus flower appears in a clear crystal, so too are you reflected in all things. Even Brahma and other wise ones do not truly know you as you are. In this deluded world, knowledge is rare and limited. Therefore, greatness in the world is sought only by your grace. “You are compassionate to the afflicted; do not deny me, Lord,” she prayed. The Lord replied, “Therefore, O beautiful-hipped one, ask for a boon—even the unattainable, in every way. Who, having obtained my audience, has any wish left unfulfilled?” With palms joined and bowing low, she spoke sweet words: “O Viṣṇu, enter my womb and become my son.” The Lord reflected, “What is it that this river, ever eager for my company, has asked?” Out of compassion, he resolved in his mind and, assuming the form of the Shalagrama stone, entered her womb. “By my presence, you will become the most excellent among rivers. You will remove great sins arising from speech, mind, and body. One who satisfies his ancestors through you, after delivering them, leads them to heaven. He too attains my abode, where there is no sorrow.” Having thus granted these boons to the goddess, the Lord vanished then and there. I, the Blessed Viṣṇu, having assumed a form by the will of my devotee, illuminated the limbs of the lord of stars and thoroughly cleansed them. While the Moon watched, I disappeared from that place. The stream revealed by Rāvaṇa bestows great merit. To the east of the lord of Soma lies the hermitage of Rāvaṇa.