In the sacred land described, there exists a holy ford where those who bathe and depart this life are lifted to heaven, never to be born again. At this very place, the lord of obstacles—Ganesha—does not trouble humans who have purified themselves in its waters. Indeed, at that excellent crossing, the king of obstacles causes no affliction to those who have bathed, for the son of Parvati is ever watchful, always removing hindrances for such blessed souls. Beyond this lies Koṭitīrtha, a site remembered as supremely pure. There, if one can relinquish greed and delusion, they may depart from life in peace. Further still is the Śiva-kshetra, half a krosha distant and difficult to reach. Yet, for those who bathe and drink at this holy place, the reward is the spiritual fruit equal to that of sacred Māthura. Thus concludes the chapter known as "The Power of the Yamuna Ford," from the Mathura-mahatmya of the glorious Varaha Purana. Now, let me recount the wondrous might of the Akrura Ford, a place exceedingly rare in the mortal world. There, O goddess, I—Varaha—reside always, for the welfare of all beings. Especially at the solstices, the equinoxes, and during the Viṣṇupadī times, my field there is renowned as Akrura. Bathing in its waters grants a person the merit of both the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. Indeed, the reward is as great as bathing at Prayāga itself. Among my devotees, Sudhana is ever foremost. At home, he enjoys unsurpassed affection with his family—relatives, sons, and wife. His days, months, and years pass peacefully. He never practices deceit in weights or measures, and always devotes himself to the excellent worship of Hari. With divine offerings and fragrant incense, he performs his rituals, observing fasts and keeping vigil through the night. One night, Sudhana arrived at the ford, radiant in auspicious appearance, and danced before me in devotion. As he moved, a Brahma-rākṣasa seized him by the feet. Clutching him, the rākṣasa addressed the earth: "I am a rākṣasa, O best of merchants, dwelling in the forest." Sudhana replied without fear, "Will you devour my body, which has been nourished with delicious food? I wish to keep vigil for the Lord of gods, O rākṣasa. Allow me to complete my vigil, and in the morning, before you, you may eat my body. Do not break my vow, for it is dedicated to Nārāyaṇa." Hearing these words, the Brahma-rākṣasa, tormented by hunger, doubted him: "You speak falsely, good man; how will you return again?" Sudhana answered with resolve, "The sages who have mastered the Vedas attain success through truth. A human state is obtained by the prescribed inner self. Here, having kept vigil, one may dance as one pleases. Maidens are given in marriage through truth; Brahmins speak truthfully. They seek heaven through truth, and liberation is attained by truth. Yama acts by truth, and Indra shines by truth." Thus, Sudhana affirmed the power of truth and the sanctity of his vow, standing firm in his devotion and righteousness at the sacred Akrura Ford.