Vibhu, compelled by the need to support his family, ventured into a difficult and forbidding forest. Fear weighed heavily upon him, for he knew that if the demon lurking there devoured him, his family would surely perish. Anxious and uncertain, Vibhu asked the being before him, “From what place have you come? Speak the truth, O wise one.” The being replied, “Among those two, the beautiful city of Mathurā is renowned throughout the world. In that city, I dwelled in the ancestral house of my forefathers. But thieves took all that away, and I became destitute. Now, I have come within your sight; please, do for me what must be done.” The preta—the departed soul—spoke, “I will release you at the appointed time; do as I say. After completing my task, go to Mathurā for my sake. Bathe properly in the well with four auspicious marks, and give the fruit of the bath. Then you may go as you please.” Vibhu heard these words and replied, “I will not go to Mathurā at all, since I have no wealth.” The preta assured him, “There is sufficient wealth; go, do not delay.” Vibhu protested, “The only wealth left to me is my house; there is nothing else there. The ancestral honor of my forefathers is not to be sold by me.” But the preta insisted, “There is indeed wealth, as I have told you, O Vibhu, in your house. Return, go content, and increase the joy of your friends.” Sūta then asked, “Having reached this state, how did knowledge arise?” The story was recounted from ancient times. At dawn, in the auspicious temple of Vishnu, the reciter would read the sacred Purāṇic story. Vibhu’s friend led him to Vishnu’s temple with great reverence, repeatedly pleasing him. Together, they remained there, side by side. It is said that four oceans are gathered in that place. All the great people gave gifts to the reciter. Vibhu’s friend urged him, “Give as much as you are able.” After much time, Vibhu reached the destruction brought by Vaivasvata, the lord of death, and attained the state of a departed soul, vast and difficult to cross. His ancestors were not satisfied, so he entered the condition of a departed soul. The preta instructed, “Go, you must face that place where the city of Mathurā is. How do you sustain your life, sheltered at the root of a tree?” The departed soul explained, “What was given to the reciter—a measure of gold—by the power of that gift, O Lord, I am always satisfied. Even though I have entered the state of a departed soul, my knowledge has not been confused.” All that Vibhu did was as spoken by the departed soul. Thus, O Earth, this is the greatness of Mathurā that has been told to you. Whether at a sacred place, in a house, at a temple, or in a public square, sin committed elsewhere departs upon reaching a sacred place. Sin committed in Mathurā is destroyed right there itself. Even one who is ungrateful, a drinker of liquor, a thief, or one who has broken a vow—such is the purifying power of Mathurā.