revāmāhātmyavarṇanam

Sri Markandeya said: 1: River Ganga indeed is the best river; similarly river Saraswati,... 2:... Kaveri, Devika and in like manner rivers Sindhu and Salakuti,...

1: These and other Rivers are remembered as destroyer of all Sins, 2: But, that reason, my son, I will tell you; you who are the most virtuous king (referring to Yudhisthira), 3: All Seas and Rivers get destroyed at the end of each Kalpa (Time period after which the world gets destroyed),

1: Seven Kalpas have passed, but that Narmada has not perished, 2: Narmada is indeed the only one, O best of kings, the excellent river which has stayed beyond (the seven kalpas),

1: Filled with Water, which is filled with Holiness, this river is praised by groups of Munis (Sages), 2: Ganga and other rivers perish at the end of each Kalpa,

1: This Devi has been seen before (in earlier Kalpas), I will tell (that story) to you, O sinless one, 2: This river which gives rise to wonder, O best of kings, is well-known in the Three Worlds.