Adhyaya 4

After hearing of Gangādvāra’s greatness, Jaimini asks Vyāsa to explain the glory of Prayāga. Vyāsa offers a condensed tīrtha-māhātmya: the Triveṇī confluence is praised by the gods, and bathing in Māgha—especially when the Sun is in Makara—bestows incomparable merit and leads to Vaikuṇṭha, surpassing renowned gifts and sacrifices. A didactic tale follows: the wealthy vaiśya Praṇidhi and his virtuous wife Padmāvatī become the setting for a sinner’s attempted seduction, ending in death at the Gaṅgā–Yamunā confluence and a miraculous transformation into a righteous form. Padmāvatī’s stotra draws Mādhava’s appearance; the Lord resolves her ethical dilemma of “two husbands” and grants ascent to Vaikuṇṭha. On the way, the Viṣṇudūtas explain that even grievous sinners who die at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and the ocean attain the highest state. The chapter closes by introducing King Mādhava’s austerities as the next narrative theme.