Because of a transgression, the offspring born was flawed, and so Shiva, along with all the gods, pronounced a curse and prayed, “O Lord, bring peace to them both.” At Agni’s request, Shambhu—another name for Shiva—spoke auspicious words to comfort and resolve the matter. Shiva said, “From my power and yours has arisen Suvarna, a being of great prowess. All prosperity is gathered in this Suvarna. There is no doubt, O Agni, hear my words: Suvarna will be the purifier of all three worlds. He alone is the nectar in the world, beloved of the gods, the source of enjoyment and liberation, and the sacrificial fee for all rites. He alone is the form of everything; even among teachers, he is the teacher. Know his power as the highest, the supreme force that comes from me. Especially, since this power is placed in you, what need is there for deliberation? Without Suvarna, everything is incomplete; with Suvarna, all wealth is fulfilled. Even living, all men are dead without Suvarna; a man without qualities but wealthy is honored, but one with qualities but poor is not. Therefore, nothing will surpass Suvarna; yet, Suvarna, though excellent, is fickle. By her, everything seen, whether lacking or complete, becomes whole; she is attained in the three worlds through austerity, recitation, and offerings. Her power and excellence, O Agni, are praised, though only somewhat; wherever she remains, let her come and move about freely. Suvarna will become Kamala herself, and will be pure; from today onward, let both children act freely. Yet, the merit of these two has never been and will never be.” Having spoken thus, Shambhu manifested there as Shiva, in the form of the linga, for the welfare of all worlds. Agni, having received boons through his two children, was pleased; and Suvarṇā, Agni’s daughter, rejoiced with her husband Dharma, living righteously. Their son, too, lived joyfully, fulfilling his resolve. Meanwhile, O sage, Suvarṇā, Agni’s daughter, was deceived by Śārdūla, lord of the Dānavas, who, disregarding righteousness, abducted her—the abode of fortune and beauty. Suvarṇā, renowned in all the worlds, was taken by Śārdūla to the netherworld. Thus, Agni’s son-in-law Dharma, and Agni himself, the receiver of offerings, both repeatedly praised Viṣṇu, lord of the worlds, and together made their request to the mighty Viṣṇu. Then Hari, another name for Viṣṇu, cut off Śārdūla’s head with his discus, and Viṣṇu brought back the goddess Suvarṇā, the beauty of the worlds. O Nārada, Viṣṇu showed Suvarṇā—beloved both as the daughter of Maheśvara (Shiva) and of Agni—to Maheśvara. Maheśa, delighted, embraced her again and again. At the very place where the discus, shining brightly, cut off Śārdūla’s head, that place became known as Cakratīrtha and also as Śārdūla. There, Suvarṇā was brought by Viṣṇu to Śaṃkara (Shiva). That sacred place should be known as Śaṃkara’s and also as Viṣṇu’s, truly accomplished; there Agni and eternal Dharma attained bliss. O best of sages, tears of joy fell from Agni at that place, and thus the river was born, called Ānandā and also Nandinī. The confluence of that river with the Gaṅgā is especially holy, and there, at that very confluence, Suvarṇā still abides in person. She is known as Dākṣāyaṇī, Śivā, and Āgneyī; Ambikā, the support of the world, Śivā, and Kātyāyanīśvarī. Always granting the wishes of devotees and adorning both banks, there Agni performed austerities; that sacred place is called Tapovana. O sage, such are the sacred places on both banks; bathing and giving gifts there grant all desires and are auspicious. On the northern bank there are fourteen thousand sacred places, and likewise on the southern bank there are sixteen thousand. Here and there are many sacred sites, each with its own signs; their names are many, but I shall tell them briefly. Whoever hears, recites, or remembers these stories, in all those desired matters, becomes completely fulfilled. Whoever, having learned of this event, performs bathing and related rites there, becomes ever prosperous and especially righteous. The western ford from Abjaka is called Shardula; it surpasses all other fords at Varanasi and elsewhere. There, after bathing, one honors and satisfies the ancestors and gods, and, freed from all sins, is exalted in Vishnu’s realm. Between Tapovana and Shardula are countless fords; the greatness of each cannot be described by anyone here. There too is the ford known as Indratirtha, and the confluence of the river Phena, where Vrishakapa and Hanumata are also found. Abjaka, as mentioned, is where the god Trivikrama is present; bathing and giving gifts there makes rebirth exceedingly rare. Now, I will recount the events that took place there, on the southern bank of the Ganga; listen with devotion and discipline about Indreshvara on the northern bank. Namuchi, powerful and intoxicated with pride, was an enemy of Indra; Indra fought him and, with Phena, struck off his head.