The mind, intent on liberation, was urged to set forth on the path that leads to freedom. Alongside his foremost disciples, the sage took up residence in the sacred city of Vārāṇasī, a place renowned for spiritual pursuit. From there, he journeyed to the great liṅga of Oṃkāra, the bestower of liberation, and spoke to the sages of purified minds about its supreme greatness. He revealed that by merely remembering this holy liṅga, one is freed from all sins. Constantly worshipped by the wise in Vārāṇasī, this liṅga grants liberation to those who revere it. Blessed Rudra himself delights there, bestowing release upon all beings, for this pure liṅga abides eternally in Oṃkāra. The sage explained that the liṅga of the Lord is fivefold, representing both the foundation and dissolution of all things. The liṅga that reveals Oṃkāra is thus called the fivefold abode. At the end of one’s bodily existence, the wise enter that supreme, blissful light. Those who have worshipped the god Īśāna attain the highest state. Oṃkāreśvara, the supreme Lord, is described as being the size of a cowhide, as are Viśveśvara, Oṃkāra, and Kapardeśvara. Yet none can truly know these forms 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, addressed his disciples, recounting how he came to slay the Brāhmaṇas—those who constantly worshipped there. Yet, ever devoted to the protection of his worshippers, the Lord Kṛttivāsa cherished his devotees and, to shield them, donned a skin as his garment. By such devotion and through that very body, the worshippers attained the supreme state. They remain forever encircling the liṅga of Kṛttivāsa, never departing from him—of this, there can be no doubt. Liberation at Kṛttivāsa is attained in a single birth. This profound truth was concealed by Devadeva, the great god Śaṃbhu. The devotees worship Mahādeva, reciting the Śatarudriya, and meditate in their hearts on Śiva, the steadfast inner Self. Those who have taken refuge in Kṛttivāsa, the ascetics who meditate on Maheśa, praise Rudra and bow to Śaṃbhu. The sage declared his knowledge of Mahādeva, the Lord of manifold forms. Eager to behold that imperishable liṅga, the Lord of matted locks, the sage journeyed onward. At the holy place of Piśācamocana, he worshipped the Lord with the trident. There, he and his companions reflected on the greatness of this sacred field and bowed in reverence to Giriśa, the remover of evil. In this holy place, a single doe, desperate and seeking to escape being devoured, approached the supreme Lord Kapardeśvara. Fleeing in great panic, she fell into the power of a tiger. Spotting the best of sages, she ran to another deserted place in her terror. Suddenly, a great flame appeared in the sky, shining with the brilliance of the sun. Upon a bull and surrounded by such men, the doe was seen. Then, Gaṇeśvara himself manifested, but from that moment, he was no longer seen. Such are the wondrous and sacred happenings surrounding the holy liṅgas and the compassionate Lord, ever bestowing liberation and grace upon those who seek him with devotion.