On the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Karttika, a devoted pilgrim sets out for Mathura, the sacred city. Upon arrival, he first visits the holy resting place, where he beholds the long, resplendent form of Vishnu, known as Keshava. Throughout this time, he undertakes fasting, consuming only little and pure food, or otherwise observing restraint, and keeps a vow of celibacy for the night, his mind firmly resolved on the sacred undertaking ahead. He gathers sesame seeds, rice, and sacred darbha grass—offerings meant for honoring both the ancestors and the gods. With these, in the prescribed manner once performed by Dhruva and other illustrious sages, he prepares for the circumambulation of Mathura, his heart full of devotion and faith. Having kept vigil through the night, on the ninth day, he rises, disciplined and pure, ready to begin his journey before sunrise. He washes his feet, rinses his mouth, and with reverence, propitiates Hanuman, the bestower of success, seeking his blessing for the journey, just as Hanuman ensured the triumph of Rama’s great quest. He duly informs Dhanumant, the lord of the hosts, and then approaches Padmanabha, the long-bodied Vishnu, remover of all fears. He offers his respects to goddess Vasumati, the unconquered one, and to the deity dwelling in Kamsa’s abode, as well as to Ugrasena’s Carcika. He honors the mothers of the gods, givers of victory and worshipped by all deities. With these invocations complete, the pilgrim proceeds in silence and steadfast vow, making his way toward the southern corner of Mathura. There, he bows and visits Ikshuvasa, the goddess cherished by Krishna, and all the sacred sites established by great sages. These holy places—Arkasthala, Virasthala, and Kushasthala—are renowned for their power to remove all sins. Punyasthala and Mahasthala, too, are famed as great destroyers of sin; simply seeing them brings joy, even as Brahma rejoices. The journey continues to Hayamukti and Sindura, accompanied by companions. There, mounted on a horse, a special rite is performed. A prince stands guard at this spot, but it is known that only those who travel here on foot—not by vehicle—can attain liberation. At this sacred place, seeing and touching the prince frees one from all sins. Next, the pilgrim seeks the sight of Mallika, auspicious and granting Krishna’s victory. Here, too, is Carcika, the yogini, surrounded by her retinue of yoginis. Both the untouchable and the touchable mothers are worshipped here by people from all walks of life. The path then leads to the rain-filled pit, a supreme pond renowned for removing sins. From there, the pilgrim goes to Kshetrapala, to Shiva, Lord of beings and remover of evil. Nearby is Krishna’s Play Bridge, famed as a destroyer of great sins, where Krishna once lingered daily with the cowherds. There is also the Bali-pond, an auspicious place created for water-sport, where Krishna played with roosters in his childhood. A lofty pillar rises here, its summit beautiful and fragrant with delightful scents. The pilgrim circumambulates and worships this pillar with care, remembering how Vasudeva and Devaki, in their prayers, sought protection for their unborn child at this very spot. Finally, the pilgrim enters the abode of Narayana, seeking liberation. Having seen all these sacred places, he duly informs his companions and the Lord of rites, thus completing the revered circumambulation of Mathura as prescribed in the ancient tradition.