Story of Sage Asita Devala and Sage Jaigisavya is narrated in the context of the pilgrimage of Balarama mentioned in the Mahabharata (9.48). Symbolically the story suggests that asceticism and sannyasa (nivrtti) is superior to sacrifice and rituals of the world (pravrtti). In simple terms, self realization is far superior to rituals and pujas. The hermitage of Sage Asita Devala was located near Aditya Teertha. Aditya Teertha was of great importance: Surya had obtained kingship over all grahas by performing austerities here. Lord Vishnu performed ablutions here after killing demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Sage Vyasa performed holy dip here and attained liberation. Story of Sage Asita Devala and Jaigisavya Jaigisavya was a wandering sage. He once reached the ashram of Sage Asita Devala at Aditya Teertha. Sage Devala used to strictly perform all rituals and pujas. He performed Yajnas and had the power to fly in the sky and move in various worlds. Jaigisavya