Once, in a time of great spiritual endeavor, a sage performed a remarkable sacrifice. In this sacred rite, Agni himself became the Hotṛ priest, carrying the offerings and ensuring that the Maheśvara sacrifice was completed anew. Through the power of this act, the sage attained extraordinary abilities—he gained lordship, and the freedom to travel wherever he wished, even to Indra’s resplendent realm, the world of the gods, and the netherworld. By his own will, strengthened by auspicious austerity, the sage would sometimes ascend to heaven, reaching once more the world of Indra. There, he beheld Indra, the thousand-eyed king of the gods, surrounded by a host of excellent deities. Siddhas and Sādhya gods sang his praises, while Indra enjoyed supreme dancing and sweet singing, attended by the gentle fanning of Apsarases. The sage saw Indra honored by the assembled leaders of the gods, seated upon a magnificent throne, his son Jayanta on his lap, united with his consort Śacī, and lost in supreme delight. The splendor of Mahendra, the refuge of the virtuous and generous granter of boons, dazzled the great-souled Brahmin. Overwhelmed by Indra’s majesty, he began to covet Indra’s kingship for himself. After being duly honored by the gods, the sage returned to his hermitage, his heart filled with memories of Śakra’s wondrous city, radiant with jewels and overflowing with virtue. But upon seeing his own hermitage, lacking brilliance and gold, he grew disinterested in its simple pleasures. A longing for the sovereignty of the gods took hold of him, and he spoke to his beloved, the son of Mahātri, saying, “Even the finest fruits and roots, though well prepared, bring me no joy, for I remember the nectar, the most sacred of foods, the delicacies, and the splendid seats of Indra’s realm. I desire Indrahood, O great one; quickly grant me the station of Indra here. If you refuse, I will surely reduce you to ashes—there can be no doubt.” At these words, the mighty Viśvakarman, creator of beings, acted swiftly. He fashioned Meru, the city of the gods, wish-fulfilling trees and creepers, and the cow of plenty. He built splendid houses adorned with vajra and other jewels, dazzling to behold. He created Śacī, flawless in every limb, and a pleasure hall rivaling that of Kāma. In an instant, he crafted the assembly hall Sudharmā and enchanting Apsarases, the elephant Airāvata, formidable weapons like the thunderbolt, and all the gods without exception. Though restrained by his beloved, Atri’s son fashioned a wife equal to Śacī and, with faces of Atri, created the thunderbolt and other divine weapons. He recreated all the dancing and singing he had witnessed in Indra’s city. Having obtained all this, the chief of sages was filled with delight. Indeed, in such supremely pleasant surroundings, who could feel any longing, even for things visible to the eye? Yet word of these marvels reached the Daityas, Dānavas, and Rākṣasas, who, filled with anger, gathered together. “Why has Hari abandoned heaven and come to earth? Is it for mutual pleasure? Let us go and fight the slayer of Vṛtra, whose sacrifice was brief!” they exclaimed. The Asuras surrounded Atri’s son and encircled the city he had created, naming it Indra’s city. They spoke of the one who was born first, resolute in mind, who surpassed the gods by sacrifice, whose power sustained heaven and earth, and whose might earned him the title Indra among men. But the sage declared, “I am not Hari, nor is Śacī my wife, nor is this city or forest that of Indra. He alone is Indra—the slayer of Vṛtra, wielder of the thunderbolt, thousand-eyed, breaker of enemies, with arms like thunderbolts. I am but a Brahmin, a knower of the Vedas, surrounded by Brahmin assemblies, dwelling on the bank of the Gautamī. Whether now or in the future, for the sake of happiness, I performed this act only under the force of misfortune.” A voice assured him, “O best of sages, the sweat of Indra which you have removed, O Ātreya, was merely an imitation; your welfare is certainly assured—it cannot be otherwise.” Then Ātreya spoke: “As you all declare of me here, so indeed I shall act, O greatly fortunate ones. By truth I invoke the sacred fire.” Having said this, he addressed the Daityas and then turned to Tvaṣṭṛ, saying, “Whatever you have done here, O Tvaṣṭṛ, out of affection for me—this position of Indra—withdraw it again quickly; protect me, a Brahmin sage. Restore to me my place, my hermitage with its deer and birds, trees and water as before. I have no use for divine things. All that has come to me out of order is not conducive to the happiness of the wise.” Tvaṣṭṛ, the lord of creatures, replied, “So be it,” and withdrew the boon. The Daityas returned to their own places, leaving the land free of thorns. Tvaṣṭṛ too departed, as if smiling, and Ātreya remained on the bank of the Gautamī, surrounded by his disciples and wife. Dwelling there, devoted to austerity, while a great sacrifice was underway, Ātreya, feeling ashamed, spoke: “Alas, such is the power of delusion—even my mind was led astray! What use had I in attaining the station of Mahendra? What did I seek here before?” As he spoke thus, the gods addressed him: “Cast off your shame, O mighty-armed one; great renown will be yours. Whoever bathes at the Ātreya Tīrtha, all living beings, will easily obtain merit. They will become like Indra, enjoying happiness just by remembering this place. Here, the wise declare, are five thousand sacred bathing places, named after Indra, Ātreya, and the Daityas. Bathing and giving gifts here bestow inexhaustible merit.” Having spoken thus, the gods departed, and the sage was satisfied. There is, O Nārada, a holy place called Kapilāsaṃgama, renowned throughout the three worlds. Let me now tell you a most excellent and sacred story of that place. There lived a sage named Kapila, a knower of truth, famed throughout the worlds, both stern and gracious, devoted to austerity and vows. While Kapila was practicing austerity on the bank of the Gautamī, Vāmadeva and others approached him and spoke. After the slaying of Vena, when righteousness was lost and the kingdom left without a ruler by the Brahmins’ curse, the assembly of sages came to the accomplished Kapila, seeking his guidance as their teacher. With the Veda gone and righteousness vanished, they asked him, “O best of sages, what should be done?