In that sacred place, ascetics gathered—some with matted locks, others with shaven heads, all adorned with pure white sacred threads. These sages, steadfast in their vows of celibacy, were tranquil and wholly devoted to the pursuit of Vedāntic wisdom. Having performed the prescribed rites of worship, they turned to speak. Among them were Paila and other devoted disciples, who addressed these sages, so deeply absorbed in the contemplation of Brahman. Vyāsa himself was present—Hṛṣīkeśa, the great sage who had divided the Vedas for the benefit of the world. From a portion of his own being, the Lord had manifested as his son, Śuka, who, through supreme devotion and surrender, attained the highest divine knowledge. With unwavering minds, the assembled sages bowed respectfully and addressed the son of Satyavatī, seeking his guidance. They prayed for a vision of the supreme Maheśvara, the grace of the God of gods, longing to behold that divinity after hearing of him from the lips of the Blessed One. Vyāsa, foremost among knowers of yoga, imparted that supreme knowledge to the gathered yogis. In that very moment, those brāhmaṇas, so deeply absorbed in the spiritual presence, vanished from sight. Vyāsa then spoke to Paila and the other disciples about the greatness of Madhyameśa, where the Blessed Lord, surrounded by Rudras, always delights. Kṛṣṇa himself remained there for a year, ever in the company of Paśupati’s devotees. Hari worshipped Śaṃbhu, undertaking the vow of Paśupati with sincere devotion. Having received knowledge from Vyāsa’s words, the disciples were granted a vision of the great Lord. The blessed Lord, bestower of all boons, granted Kṛṣṇa the highest blessing. For those devoted ones, divine knowledge—pervading the universe—would arise. By the Lord’s grace, they would be revered by the twice-born, and the sins of killing a brāhmaṇa or other grave offenses would swiftly be destroyed. Such worshippers attain the supreme abode, beyond all doubt. They worship Mahādeva, the Lord of the middle region, and by performing these sacred acts, each brāhmaṇa purifies up to the seventh generation of his family. The fruits gained here are tenfold greater than those from other rites. Thus, Kṛṣṇa remained for a long time, steadfast in his worship of the great Lord. Afterward, the blessed Vyāsa set out, accompanied by Jaimini and the foremost of sages. Their journey took them to Viśvarūpa and the holy site of Tālatīrtha, a place without equal. They visited Svarnola, that great tīrtha, and Gaurītīrtha, renowned and unsurpassed. They came to the excellent holy place called Jambukeśvara, famed as Dharma. Continuing, they reached Nārāyaṇa, the supreme tīrtha, and Vāyutīrtha, matchless in merit. They visited Yamatīrtha, a place of great virtue, and the auspicious Saṃvartaka. Their pilgrimage included Nāga Tīrtha, Soma Tīrtha, and Sūrya Tīrtha, as well as Ghaṭotkaca, Śrī Tīrtha, and Pitāmaha. They honored Kāpila, Someśa, and Brahma Tīrtha, each renowned and sacred. At one such holy place, Viṣṇu himself had established a divine liṅga. A question arose: “This liṅga was brought by me; for what reason have you installed it?” In response, it was declared that the liṅga established there would bear the name of the one who installed it. Their journey continued to Gandharva Tīrtha, the supreme, and Vāhneya, the excellent tīrtha, as well as the sacred sites of Citrāṅgadeśvara and Vidyādhareśvara. Thus, the sages moved from one holy place to another, honoring the divine and spreading the fruits of their devotion and knowledge.