In a sacred place renowned as the Triveṇī, those who bathe ascend to heaven and the departed attain liberation. This holy confluence alone is celebrated, surpassing all other sites, and its fame is established throughout the worlds. When asked to reveal its greatness for the benefit of all beings, Śrī Varāha graciously began to recount an auspicious tale drawn from ancient history. Long ago, Lord Viṣṇu undertook intense austerities for the welfare of the worlds. As time passed in his deep meditation, the heat of his body gave rise to a flood of sweat from his cheeks. This wondrous event astounded all the beings residing in Maharloka and the higher realms, who marveled at the sight. The gods, eager to understand this mystery, approached Brahmā for answers. Yet even Brahmā, enveloped in his own māyā, could not comprehend the cause. Gathering together, the gods went to Brahmā, who respectfully bowed and questioned the great Lord: “By whom is this earth restrained, which brings about disturbances in the world?” Śiva, after a moment of meditation, addressed Brahmā and the assembled gods. Soma, the lord of the moon, together with his attendants and the other deities, also arrived. Śambhu, supremely pleased and smiling, spoke, praising the Lord who is the support and overseer of all, for whom nothing is impossible. Śiva revealed that he had undertaken austerities for the sake of the worlds’ welfare, and having attained the vision of the Lord of the world, felt fulfilled. He then explained that the Gaṇḍakī river, best among rivers, had arisen from the sweat of Viṣṇu’s cheek. In whose womb this river would flow, there would be no doubt that he, Brahmā, the gods, and the sages would always remain there, in the Gaṇḍakī, together with Keśava. Śiva declared that those who come to this river would be freed from all sins and attain liberation without doubt. Bathing here grants the same merit as bathing in the Gaṅgā, and no other river, apart from the Gaṅgā, can equal its sanctity. Another river, Devikā, joined with the Gaṇḍakī, and for the purpose of creation, Brahmā made a separate hermitage. From this place arose Brahmā’s daughter, holy and foremost among rivers. Thus, the Triveṇī was formed—a supremely holy confluence, rare even for the gods. In ancient times, from the ocean of Vedas, two sons named Jaya and Vijaya were born. From Tṛṇabindu, two sons also came forth—sinful in nature, yet virtuous in their sight. These sons worshipped Hari with unwavering devotion, fixing their senses and minds upon him. During their worship, Hari, delighted by their devotion, granted them boons. After the completion of a sacrifice, the king honored them, and they were set forward to divide the offerings. A rivalry arose between them, and as they competed, Vijaya said, “That which you have obtained belongs to him.” Accusing the other of not returning what was taken, he cursed, “Therefore, become a crocodile.” The other retorted, “Become an elephant, blinded by pride, since you speak to me in this way.” Thus, in the sacred Gaṇḍakī river, he was born as a crocodile, a twice-born who remembered his former life, fulfilling the consequences of their exchange and the mysterious workings of destiny in this holy place.