Those who worship Mahādeva, the Lord of the middle region, find that even the gravest sins—such as the killing of a brāhmaṇa and others—are quickly washed away. There is no doubt that such devotees attain the supreme abode; this is certain and needs no further deliberation. When a brāhmaṇa performs these sacred acts, he not only purifies himself but also sanctifies his family up to the seventh generation. Furthermore, whatever merit a mortal gains from other acts is multiplied tenfold here. Thus, it is told that one who remains devoted for a long time, worshipping the great Lord, receives immeasurable blessings. In those ancient days, the blessed sage Vyāsa set out on a holy pilgrimage, surrounded by Jaimini and the foremost of sages. Together, they visited the sacred Viśvarūpa and the unsurpassed holy place Tālatīrtha. Their journey led them further to Svarnola, a great tīrtha, and to Gaurītīrtha, another place of supreme sanctity. They bowed at Jambukeśvara, renowned as Dharma itself, and at Nārāyaṇa, the supreme holy place, as well as the unsurpassed Vāyutīrtha. Their path took them through Yamatīrtha, full of great merit, and the auspicious Saṃvartaka. They visited Nāga Tīrtha, Soma Tīrtha, and Sūrya Tīrtha, and also came to Ghaṭotkaca, Śrī Tīrtha, and the revered Pitāmaha. They paid respects at Kāpila, Someśa, and the unsurpassed Brahma Tīrtha. At one such holy spot, Viṣṇu himself established a divine liṅga. When questioned as to why he had installed this liṅga—brought by another—Viṣṇu replied that the liṅga established here would henceforth bear the name of the one who brought it. The sages continued their pilgrimage to Gandharva Tīrtha, supreme among tīrthas, and to Vāhneya, an excellent holy place. They honored Citrāṅgadeśvara and Vidyādhareśvara, both sacred, and also Sārasvata, Prabhāsa, and the auspicious lake Bhadrakarṇa. Their journey included Hiraṇyagarbha, Goprekṣya, and Vṛṣadhvaja Tīrtha, as well as Trilocana, the great tīrtha, and Lolārka, called Uttara. They visited Śukreśvara, of great merit, and Ānandapura, the supreme tīrtha. So numerous and holy were the tīrthas that even the best of the twice-born could not describe them all in detail. Having observed a fast at these sacred places, the great sage Pārāśarya—Vyāsa himself—returned to the abode where Śiva, Lord of All, resides. There, the righteous Vyāsa spoke to his disciples, instructing them to return to their own lands. Vyāsa then made his residence in Vārāṇasī, living with discipline, sustaining himself by alms, pure in mind and devoted to celibacy. Yet, as he wandered in search of alms, he found none to be had. It was then revealed that an obstacle had been created for all, hindering their success. Out of affection, the goddess herself appeared to Vyāsa, assuming a human form. She offered him alms, saying, "Take alms from me," and thus Śivā herself gave to him. Yet she admonished, "In this place, you must not dwell; you are always ungrateful." Vyāsa, bowing and praising her with excellent hymns, replied humbly. The goddess, pleased, said, "So be it," and granted him permission before disappearing from sight. Knowing the true qualities of Vārāṇasī, Vyāsa remained there, ever at her side. Therefore, it is said that with all effort, one should dwell in Vārāṇasī. If one cannot, then let him have these sacred tales recited to peaceful, twice-born men; he too shall attain the highest state.