In that land, adorned with manifold beauty and enchanting in every direction, a sacred and ever-purifying tīrtha came into being, its holiness radiating from a mysterious, divine power. Long ago, it was here that the venerable hermitage of sage Gautama was first established, founded by your father, the very embodiment of austerity, O best of sages. The area blossomed with various tīrthas and hermitages of every kind, each imbued with sanctity. Through this blessed region flows the auspicious river known as Tamasā. It is said that bathing in her waters, offering gifts, and performing ancestral rites there, especially on the fifteenth day of the bright half of Mārgaśīrṣa, brings immense merit. Therefore, those with pure minds are encouraged to bathe at this holy site, drawing spiritual benefit from its sacredness. Let me tell you further of another supremely auspicious place beyond the Tamasā. In the month of Bhādra, on the bright fourth day, a pilgrimage to this spot bestows great auspiciousness; even the mere remembrance of it destroys all obstacles. In the southern direction stands another sacred site, known as Bhairava. This place is protected by Vāsudeva himself, ensuring its safety. Devotion to Bhairava here leads to the fulfillment of one’s cherished desires. The shrine of Bhairava was established on the eighth day of the dark half of Mārgaśīrṣa. Worship at this place involves offerings of animals and other gifts, performed by the faithful. By the grace of Bhairava, those who reside at this holy place enjoy a life free of obstacles. To the north, the delightful Bharata-kunda awaits. Bathing and giving gifts here yields inexhaustible merit. The deities at this site should be worshipped with care, adorned with garments and ornaments. Those who meditate on Rama Chandra in their hearts, with pure minds and controlled senses, find this place especially blessed. It was here that the great king Bharata constructed a magnificent reservoir, a source of immense merit and virtue, graced by swans, cranes, chakravaka ducks, and other splendid birds. Bathing in its waters brings great joy and delight, satisfying one’s ancestors and pleasing all the deities. It is proper to give gold and food to a twice-born person at this site. To the west lies the excellent Jatakunda, renowned as the foremost among all sacred reservoirs. In the earlier reservoirs, Bharata—endowed with fortune—should be worshipped, and on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Chaitra, an annual pilgrimage is observed. According to the highest ordinances, Rama and Sita, and then Lakshmana, are to be worshipped at Bharata-kunda. O Brahmin, one should also worship Ajita at this place, for success is assured. A great festival is to be celebrated, accompanied by singing and instrumental music. To the north, there is an auspicious sign of the hero. After bathing in the lake, one should reside there, for the heroic protector of Ayodhya grants the fulfillment of all desires and aims. By offering fragrances, flowers, incense, and food according to proper rites, any wish made here is fulfilled. To the south lies the site of the Rakshasi named Surasa. By worshipping her with devotion, one attains all desires. She was brought here from Lanka by Rama, the performer of great deeds. After worshipping her properly, one should behold her with respect, making great effort, accompanied by singing and musical instruments. On the third day of Navaratri, her annual procession takes place, enchanting all with songs, music, and dance festivals. When this is done, there is no doubt that one will always be protected. In the western direction, O great sage, there lies another most excellent place, worthy of worship with fragrances, flowers, rice grains, and other offerings, all performed with dedicated effort. Thus, the land is adorned with holy sites and rituals, each radiating blessings for those who approach with reverence and devotion.