Where the sacred Gaṅgā, sustainer of the world, flows, and where the great deity Tryambaka himself is present, there the gods, led by us, established the Sun—an embodiment of divinity. In that very place, where Tryambaka dwells, the gods find their abode and their presence is firmly set. Having completed their purpose, the gods took leave of the sage Pippalāda and returned to their celestial realms. In time, the pippala trees themselves ascended to the imperishable heaven. The illustrious Pippalāda, lord of that sacred field, established the worship of Śaṃkara at the very spot where the pippala trees once stood. This sage, the energetic son of Dadhīci, took as his wife the daughter of Gautama. Blessed with sons, wealth, fame, and surrounded by friends, the steadfast Pippalāda eventually attained heaven. From that time onward, this holy place became known as Pippaleśvara—a site of great merit, the reward of all sacrifices, where the mere remembrance destroys all sins. How much more merit, then, is gained by bathing in its waters, by giving gifts, and by beholding Āditya! Here, the god of gods is worshipped as Cakreśvara and Pippaleśa. Understanding this supreme secret ensures the fulfillment of all desires, for the Sun himself is established in the abode of the gods—a place most dear, even to the gods. Whoever recites, hears, or remembers this most holy narrative becomes long-lived, prosperous, righteous, and, at the end of life, remembering Śambhu, surely attains him. Now, listen to the account of another sacred place, Nāgatīrtha, renowned for granting all desires. Here, the Lord of Serpents resides. In the city of Pratiṣṭhāna there lived a great king, Śūrasena, a scion of the lunar dynasty. He was celebrated for his wisdom, virtue, and noble deeds. Longing for a son, he and his beloved wife made every effort, and after much time, a child was born to them—a serpent of terrifying form. King Śūrasena concealed his son from the people; none among them knew that the prince was a serpent. Not the nurse, nor ministers, nor even the family priest—only the king and queen knew the truth. Seeing their dreadful serpent son, the royal couple was ever troubled, thinking that childlessness would have been preferable. Yet, this remarkable serpent spoke always with a human voice. He addressed his father, "Perform for me the cūḍā ceremony as well." He insisted that his initiation and Vedic studies be completed, for without Vedic study, a twice-born is no different from a Śūdra. Hearing these words, Śūrasena was deeply disturbed, but he summoned a learned brāhmaṇa and performed the necessary ceremonies. The serpent, having mastered the Vedas, then spoke to his father: "Arrange a marriage for me, O King; I desire a wife. Otherwise, your duties as a father remain unfulfilled—this is my conviction. If, after begetting sons and performing all the sacraments, a father does not arrange his child’s marriage, there is no atonement for his fall into hell." Astonished, the king replied, "Even the brave are terrified by your very sound—who would give their daughter to you? Tell me, my son, what should I do?" The wise serpent answered, "There are many kinds of marriages among kings: by forceful abduction, by arms, and by mutual agreement. If my marriage is accomplished, you will have fulfilled your duty as a father. If not, I will die here in the waters of the Gaṅgā—of this there is no doubt." Realizing the firmness of his son’s resolve, King Śūrasena, though still childless in the eyes of the world, summoned his ministers and spoke: "Nāgeśvara is my son, the crown prince, a storehouse of virtue—intelligent, heroic, unconquerable, and a tormentor of foes. With bow in hand, none can match him on the earth. His marriage must be arranged, for I am aged and it is fitting. Entrusting the kingdom to him, I will be free from care. Until he finds a wife, my son remains dear to me. He still clings to his childish ways; therefore, I ask you all, devoted to my welfare, to seek a suitable bride for him. Once my son is wed, my duties are complete. When the burden is passed to the son, wise men retire to the forest for ascetic practice." Hearing the king’s words, the ministers replied with respect and joy, "Your son excels in virtues, and your fame is widespread. What need is there for concern regarding his marriage?" Yet, the king did not reveal to them that his son was a serpent, and the ministers remained unaware. The king asked again, "Which maiden possesses superior qualities? Who is of noble lineage, wealthy, and whose family is renowned for virtue? Who is fit for alliance, heroic, and whose connections are praised?" Among the ministers, one wise and noble, devoted to the king’s welfare and understanding his wishes, replied, "In the eastern region, O great king, rules Vijaya, whose wealth in horses, elephants, and jewels is vast. He has eight sons, all mighty archers, and a daughter, Bhogavatī, radiant as Lakṣmī herself. She is worthy to be your son’s bride." Having heard this, the king asked, "How might his daughter become the wife of my son? Tell me that.