When Brahma, the four-faced lord of the worlds, finished recounting the auspicious tale, the foremost sages who had gathered before him were filled with wonder and joy. Their hearts thrilled, their bodies trembled, and the hairs on their skin stood on end as they praised the narrative they had just heard. “Ah!” they exclaimed, “You have revealed to us the greatness of the god Shambhu and told of the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, O best of gods. Now, we are eager to hear of the excellent field of Ekamra. O Brahman, our curiosity is immense—please tell us more.” Hearing their earnest request, Brahma, the creator, addressed the assembly of sages with graciousness. “Listen well, O tigers among sages. I shall briefly describe to you the most auspicious field of Shambhu on earth—a field that destroys evil deeds, removes all sins, and is exceedingly rare. This sacred place, known as Ekamra, is adorned with millions of lingas and is equal in sanctity to holy Varanasi. It is famed for its eight holy bathing places and is celebrated throughout the worlds. “In ancient times, there once stood a great Ekamra tree in this land, O best of the twice-born. From its name, the field itself came to be known as Ekamra. The people who dwell there are joyful and prosperous, both men and women together. The land abounds with learned assemblies and is rich in wealth and grain. “The city itself is a marvel—crowded with houses and grand gateways, adorned with three-arched entrances, and filled with merchants of every kind. Its beauty is enhanced by the presence of many precious gems. Lofty towers and turrets rise above splendid chariots, and shining palaces grace the city, gleaming like regal swans. Roads and gateways are well-laid, white ramparts encircle the city, and bands of armed men stand guard, while moats offer further protection. “Colorful flags—white, red, yellow, black, and deep hues—flutter vigorously in the wind, casting a festive air over the entire city. Constant festivals bring joy to the populace, their celebrations resounding with the melodies of vīṇās, flutes, drums, and the tinkling of cymbals. Everywhere, divine temples, ramparts, and gardens are found, all decorated with wondrous arrangements for worship. “In this blessed city, women of remarkable beauty can be seen, their waists slender, their necks adorned with necklaces, and their eyes long and lovely like lotus petals. They have full, high breasts and dark complexions, their faces radiant like the full moon. Their hair is lustrous and steady, their cheeks beautiful, and their girdles and anklets jingle as they move. With charming hips and hair, their eyes extend to their ears, and they are endowed with all auspicious marks, adorned with every ornament. “Some wear divine, radiant garments, some shine like gold, and all move with the grace of swans and elephants, their forms slightly bent by the fullness of their breasts. Their limbs are anointed with heavenly fragrances, their ears sparkling with ornaments. Languid with delight, they possess beautiful hips and ever-smiling faces. Their teeth show slightly between lips red as bimba fruit, their voices are sweet, and their mouths are stained with betel. They are clever, pleasing to look upon, fortunate, and always speak with affection. Proud of their youth, they are ever adorned with good conduct and divine attire. “These women, resembling celestial nymphs, delight in play within their homes, their faces radiant with happiness day and night. Among them, men too are seen—handsome and proud of their youth, adorned with all auspicious marks and polished jeweled earrings. In this city dwell Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, each devoted to their own duties and righteous in conduct. “There are also chief courtesans with beautiful eyes, whose charm rivals that of Ghritachi and Menaka, and even surpasses Tilottama. Some resemble Urvashi, some Vipracitti, some are like the natural daughters of Vishvachi, and others recall Pramlocha. All these women speak affectionately, their faces ever smiling; they are skilled in the arts and endowed with every virtue. The courtesans here are expert in dance and song, proud of all the qualities of women, and masters of glances and conversation. None lack beauty or virtue, none are given to harming others. “Such is their allure that with a single sidelong glance, they can bewilder the minds of men. There, none are poor or foolish, none are hostile to others. No one is sick, unclean, miserly, or deceitful. All are beautiful, virtuous, and harmless. The men who dwell in this renowned land enjoy every movement and moment, for all brings happiness to all beings. “The city is crowded with people of many kinds, abounding in all crops, and surrounded by splendid groves—karṇikāra, jackfruit, campaka, and nāgakesara trees. There are pāṭala, aśoka, bakula, kapittha, abundant dhava, mango, neem, kadamba, and many other flowering trees. The land is further adorned with nīpa, dhava, khadira, and creepers; with śāla, tāla, tamāla, coconut, and auspicious añjana trees. Arjuna, samaparṇa, kovidāra, pippala, lakuca, sarala, lodhra, hintāla, and devadāru trees also flourish there. “Palāśa, mucukunda, pārijāta, kubjaka, and groves of banana trees abound, along with the fruits of jambū and areca palm. The air is fragrant with ketakī, karavīra, atimukta, kiṃśuka, mandāra, jasmine, and many other kinds of flowers and plants. The gardens are delightful, filled with the songs of various birds, and resemble the celestial Nandana grove. Trees are bowed with the weight of fruit, and clusters of flowers bloom in every season. “In these gardens, chakora birds, lotuses, bhringarāja, cuckoos, kalaviṅka birds, peacocks, beloved parrots, and mynas fill the air with their melodious calls. Such, O sages, is the wondrous and sacred field of Ekamra, the destroyer of all sins, the joyous abode of beauty, virtue, and unending happiness.