the merit of giving away a thousand kine.  Then should one go to the sacred Lapetika, graced by the presence of the pious.  By so doing one reapeth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and also becometh regarded by the gods.  Proceeding next to the mountain called Mahendra, inhabited (of yore) by Jamadagnya, and bathing in Rama’s tirtha, a person acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice.  Here is Matanga’s tirtha called Kedara, O son of the Kuru race!  Bathing in it, O foremost of the Kurus, a man obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine.  Going to the mountain Sree, one who toucheth the waters of the stream that is there by worshipping there the god having the bull for his mark obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice.  On the mountain Sree dwelleth happily, the effulgent Mahadeva with the goddess, as also Brahma with the other gods.  By bathing in the lake of Deva, with purity and restrained mind, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and also attaineth to the highest success.

“’"Proceeding next to the mountain Rishabha in Pandya, worshipped by the gods, one obtains the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and rejoices in heaven.  One should next proceed to the river Kaveri, frequented by Apsaras.  Bathing there, O monarch, one obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine.  Touching next the waters of the tirtha called Kanya on the shores of the sea one is cleansed from every sin.  Proceeding next to Gokarna celebrated over the three worlds, and which is situate, O best of kings, in the midst of the deep, and is reverenced by all the worlds, and where the gods headed by Brahma, and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, and spirits and Yakshas and Pisachas, and Kinnaras and the great Nagas, and Siddhas and Charanas and Gandharvas, and men and Pannagas, and rivers, Seas and Mountains, worship the lord of Uma, one should worship Isana, fasting there for three nights.  By this, one acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and the status of Ganapatya.  By staying there for twelve nights, one’s soul is cleansed of all sins.  One should next proceed to the tirtha known as Gayatri celebrated over the three worlds.  Staying there for three nights, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine.  A strange phenomenon is seen to occur there in respect to Brahmanas, O Lord of men!  If a Brahmana, whether born of a Brahmani or any other woman, reciteth the Gayatri there, the recitation becomes rhythmic and musical, while, O king, a person who is not a Brahmana cannot adequately hymn it at all.  Proceeding next to the inaccessible tank of the Brahmana Rishi Samvarta, one acquireth personal beauty and prosperity.  Repairing next to Vena, he that offers oblations of water to the gods and the Pitris, obtains a car drawn by peacocks and cranes.  Going next to the Godavari, ever frequented