As the sages gathered in deep concern, Kapila, immersed in meditation, turned to address them. He revealed that by churning the thigh of the unrighteous king Vena, someone would emerge from it. Heeding Kapila’s words, the sages performed the churning, and from Vena’s thigh was born a being of dark complexion and fierce strength—a great sinner. The sight of this formidable figure filled the sages with fear, and they commanded him, “Sit down!” Thus, he became known as Niṣāda, and from him the Niṣāda people descended. Not yet satisfied, the sages then churned Vena’s right arm, which was radiant with righteousness. From this churning arose Pṛthu, distinguished by his mighty voice and all auspicious marks. Pṛthu was crowned king, resplendent and endowed with the power of Brahma. All the gods descended to honor him, bestowing upon him auspicious boons, weapons, and mantras rich in virtue. With Kapila and the assembly of sages, the gods addressed Pṛthu: “Provide sustenance for all living beings, for the herbs of the earth have been consumed.” Responding to this call, Pṛthu, the best of kings, took up his bow and addressed the earth herself: “Return the herbs that have been consumed, for the welfare of the people.” The earth, wide-eyed and fearful, spoke to Pṛthu: “The great herbs have been consumed within me; how can I give them back?” Angered, the king replied, “If you do not restore them today, I will slay you and provide the great herbs myself.” The earth reasoned, “How can you, O wise king, kill a woman? And without me, how will you sustain these beings?” But Pṛthu answered, “Where the benefit of many comes from the loss of one, there is no fault, O Earth. By asceticism, I will sustain the beings.” He saw no error in his resolve, for the sages had declared that such an act, for the good of all, surpassed even a hundred horse sacrifices. At this, the gods and sages, wishing to soothe both Pṛthu and the earth, addressed her as the divine mother. “O Earth,” they said, “take the form of a cow, and as milk and great herbs, yield to King Pṛthu. In this way, the king will be pleased, the people protected, and welfare will prevail.” Obediently, the earth assumed the form of a cow and sat near Kapila. Pṛthu, son of Vena, milked from her the great herbs. The gods, Gandharvas, sages, and Kapila himself witnessed this wondrous sight at the banks of the Narmada. In the sacred places along the Sarasvati, the Bhagirathi, especially the Godavari, and all the great rivers, Pṛthu milked the nourishing essence from the earth. As Pṛthu drew forth this milk, the rivers became holy and pure, united with Gautami, as if something miraculous had occurred. From that time, the place became known as the Meeting of Kapila, where, O wise one, eighty-eight thousand revered sites are found. The sages declare, O Narada, that even by remembering these sacred places, the world is purified, one after another. Now, O Narada, hear of the power of this divine site, renowned throughout the three worlds. In the earliest Krita age, when the gods and demons began their great battle, there lived a demon maiden named Simhika. Her son was the mighty demon Rahu. When the nectar of immortality appeared and Rahu was divided, his son Meghahasa, stricken by grief at his father’s fate, undertook severe austerities on the banks of the Gautami. As Meghahasa performed his penance, the gods and sages, fearful of his growing power, approached him. They pleaded, “Abandon your austerities, O mighty-armed one. Whatever you desire, may it be fulfilled. By the grace of Shiva-Ganga, nothing is unattainable here.” Meghahasa replied, “My father, worthy of worship, was insulted by you, O gods. If you show the utmost affection to him and to me, I will renounce enmity. A son must act to remove enmity out of respect for his father. If you desire this, then let all my wishes be fulfilled.” The hosts of gods agreed, making Rahu a planet and Meghahasa the foremost among the Rakshasas. Meghahasa, now lord of the Nairritas, asked the gods to establish his fame and grant the power of the sacred place. The gods consented, bestowing all that was in their hearts. Thus, O sage, that sacred place was named after the lord of the Daityas, for all the gods were present there. It became a tirtha so divine that even the gods find it difficult to attain. There, where the lord of the gods abides, it is remembered as the holiest of holy places. Eighteen sacred sites worshipped by the Daityas are found there, O Narada; bathing and giving at these sites destroy even the greatest of sins. Among these, Siddha-tirtha is renowned, where Shiva, lord of Siddhas, himself abides. Listen now, for I shall describe to you the wondrous power of this sacred place, which grants all accomplishments to those who seek it.