O beautiful one, listen with reverence to the destiny prescribed for those who depart from this world in Avimukta; it is none other than the supreme state itself. Among all sacred places, the city of Varanasi shines with unmatched auspiciousness, surpassing all others. Within Avimukta, the liberating Brahman known as Taraka is revealed and explained. Remarkably, in Varanasi, with just a single birth, one attains that exalted state, O goddess. As the radiant sun called Avimukta is firmly established in Varanasi, so too is the eternal truth named Avimukta ever present there. In this holy city, Lord Narayana and Mahadeva, the lord of the gods, reside. They ceaselessly worship me, the god of gods and the grandsire. Those who reach Varanasi are destined to attain the highest state. It is here, in Varanasi, that one receives knowledge from Mahadeva and is liberated. After attaining this knowledge, one no longer commits sin by body, mind, or speech. Yet, none truly know the knowledge that rests in Avimukta, for it is profound and mysterious. This teaching, imparted by the god to the goddess, destroys all sins. Just as Girisha stands supreme among lords, so does this place stand above all sites. Those who arrive here reach the supreme field—Avimukta, the abode of Shiva. The place of that Supreme Lord cannot be comprehended by ordinary means, yet for those who approach, sin is swiftly destroyed, both in this life and beyond. Śiva, who embodies time itself, annihilates all these sins. For those who die here, there is no rebirth; they are freed forever from the ocean of existence. Whether one is a yogi or not, whether sinful or virtuous, the mind should depart towards the path of liberation. Along with his foremost disciples, the great sage dwelt in Varanasi. He journeyed to the magnificent liṅga of Oṃkāra, the bestower of liberation, and spoke of its greatness to the sages of purified minds. By merely remembering this liṅga, one is freed from all sins. Constantly worshipped by the wise in Varanasi, it grants liberation to all. The blessed Rudra delights in this city, bestowing release upon beings. This pure liṅga abides in Oṃkāra. The liṅga of the Lord is said to be fivefold, encompassing foundation and dissolution. The liṅga that reveals Oṃkāra is called the fivefold abode. At the end of the body, the wise enter that supreme, blissful light. Having worshipped the god Īśāna, they attain the supreme state. O best of Brāhmins, Oṃkāreśvara, the highest Lord, is described as being the size of a cowhide. Likewise, Viśveśvara, Oṃkāra, and Kapardeśvara abide here. Yet, none can truly know these mysteries except by the grace of Śaṃbhu. To behold the liṅga of Kṛttivāsa, the Lord who wields the trident, is a rare blessing. The venerable sage, foremost knower of Brahman, spoke of these truths to his disciples. He came to slay the Brāhmaṇas—those who constantly worship here. But for the protection of the devoted, O best of twice-born, He who cherishes His devotees, Kṛttivāsa, the Lord, then made a skin his garment, showing his unique compassion and power. Thus, in the sacred city of Varanasi, the eternal truths are revealed, liberation is granted, and the highest state is attained by the grace of the Supreme Lord.