Wherever a person, by their own will, undertakes the highest austerities with intense discipline, that place becomes sanctified. If, in such a place, one gives up their life, they are honored in my divine world. Not only do they uplift themselves, but they also elevate all their ancestors, especially during the sacred fortnight dedicated to the ancestors. O Devi, even a simple act of bathing at this holy site grants a person entrance to my world, or even to the exalted realm of the sages. To the south of the Sage’s Ford lies my supreme Moksha Ford, and there, too, is the renowned Koti Ford—a place so difficult to attain that even the gods aspire to reach it. One who bathes at Koti Ford, having satisfied both ancestors and deities, is honored in the world of Brahma. By offering oblations at Koti Ford, a person reaches the world of the ancestors. Especially when gifts are given there during the auspicious month of Jyeshtha, the fruits are certain and immense. Indeed, these twelve fords are so rare and revered that even the gods find them difficult to access. Simply remembering these sacred fords is enough to free one from all sins. Thus concludes the chapter praising the fords of Mathurā, as described in the section on the greatness of Mathurā in the glorious Varaha Purana. Now, let me tell you further about the greatness of Mathurā’s fords. To the north of Shiva-kunda, nine fords are remembered. Bathing at any of these fords bestows supreme good fortune. O Devi, a person who bathes there attains my world; one who bathes or even dies there surely reaches my divine realm. Whatever ancient deeds transpired at these sacred places of restraint, even those who have committed great sins—such as those dwelling in the renowned Naimisha forest—find redemption here. If such a person were to arrive at the Yamuna on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, cross the river, and reach this auspicious place of restraint, their sins would depart from them instantly, as quickly as a mother leaves with her child. In the land of Saurāshtra, O goddess, there once lived a Kshatriya named Dhanurdhara. He ruled the earth, upholding the duties of his order. Among his hundred wives, the noble Vasunghara was chief. They resided in splendid palaces, often by the banks of rivers. As time passed, the king grew attached to worldly enjoyments. He was blessed with seven sons and five daughters, all beautiful. He established his sons as lords over the earth. Yet, despite all this, the awakened king would often cry out, “Alas!” Seeing this, Pivari, his devoted wife, asked him why he spoke so. Sometimes, intoxicated, asleep, or careless, the king would speak incoherently. Pivari, with deep concern, declared, “O lord, if you do not protect me, I will give up my life.” Hearing these words from his beloved, the king replied, “I shall go and speak the truth as it is, O auspicious one. Having established our sons and grandsons in their proper places, I will honor the people of our city.” He continued, “If it pleases you, O sinless ones, I will appoint my sons to the kingdom. People always desire the will of Yama; none can wish otherwise. Therefore, let us, with all effort, journey to the holy city of Mathurā.