In that wondrous region, groups of Apsarases danced joyfully, accompanied by flocks of birds whose melodious calls filled the air. The cries of dancing parrots rang out, mingling with the roars of lions and the excited calls of waterfowl, creating a vibrant symphony of life. In some places, herds of gandhaka and kadamba deer grazed peacefully, scattering sprouts and clusters of flowers as they moved. Elsewhere, ponds and lakes sparkled, their surfaces adorned with blooming lotuses of many varieties. The landscape was thick with clusters of trees, charming with the presence of blue-throated peacocks, and enlivened by the joyful cries of birds. The delightful sounds that arose from this place were joined by intoxicated bees swarming over blossoming branches, the beauty of fresh shoots, and tall, lofty boughs stretching skyward. In certain spots, playful and graceful Kimpurusha maidens wandered, adding to the enchantment. Lovely peaks echoed with the cooing of doves, their white, enchanting forms shining like clouds. Flocks of swans divided heaps of flowers, while celestial beings crowded the area, filling it with divine presence. Thousands of blooming lotuses and water-lilies adorned the pathways, beautifying pools and lining the trails with brilliant rows of colored flowers. Tall branches weighed down by clusters of blue flowers made the Ashoka trees shine, their dark, swinging ends bringing delight. At night, their lovely forms were illuminated by moonlight, mingled with blossoming Tilaka trees where herds of deer, awakened from their slumber in the shade, nibbled at tender blades of grass. The waters, clear and wide, were stirred by the wind from the wings of swans. On the banks, young plantains danced as peacocks performed, their moon-like tails coloring the earth, while elsewhere, flocks of joyous, playful parrots vanished into the landscape. In some places, the region was adorned by deer; in others, heaps of flowers concealed the ground; and elsewhere, delighted Kinnara maidens sang and danced sweetly with their lutes. In certain spots, the dwellings of sages were surrounded by trees whose roots were heaped with fruit, and everywhere the earth was covered with scattered, mingled flowers. Tall jackfruit and mahua trees rose high, and clusters of Priyangu trees were beautiful, bees clinging to their blossoms. Mango and Kadamba trees were enveloped by swarms of bees, and waters were stirred by breezes carrying heaps of flowers. Charming thickets invited intoxicated bees to fall, and among the bushes, herds of frightened deer scattered, driven by the wind. The place was adorned with enchanting Tilaka trees, dappled by moon rays, with Ashoka trees glowing in vermilion, saffron, and red dye, and Karnikara trees shining like gold. Heaps of blossoms and broad branches filled the land. In some places, the ground was covered with flowers as dark as black collyrium, elsewhere as bright as coral, and in other spots as radiant as gold. Among the Punnaga trees, the air was filled with the cries of many birds. The branches of red Ashoka trees were weighed down, and in the pleasant groves, bees played among blooming lotuses. Then, the Lord of all worlds, Shiva, accompanied by Parvati, the daughter of the snowy peak, and the beloved Ganeshas, showed the goddess a most delightful grove. It was vast, filled with various trees and exuberant, well-nourished animals. With forest flowers, both auspicious and most auspicious, fashioned as divine ornaments, Shiva adorned the goddess as she entered the grove. Parvati, with devotion, adorned Shankara, the god of gods, with the most excellent divine flowers. Having worshipped the most worshipful of the gods and gazed upon the exceedingly beautiful garden, the goddess, together with the Ganeshas and Nandimukha, bowed and spoke to Shiva: “O Lord, you have shown me the garden, radiant with supreme splendor. Now, please tell me again all the virtues of this sacred place. O Lord of gods, god of gods, bearer of the bull-banner, you must fully tell me the greatness of this field, Avimukta.” Hearing her words, Shiva, the god of gods and bestower of boons, inhaled the fragrance of her lotus-like face, smiled, and spoke to Girijā: “This most secret field, Vārāṇasī, is always mine; it is ever the cause of liberation for all beings. Here, O goddess, those who have perfected themselves, ever established in my vow, bearing various emblems and always desiring my world, abide. They practice supreme yoga here, their minds united, their senses conquered, in a place filled with many trees and adorned with various birds. Adorned with lakes rich in lotuses and water-lilies, ever served by hosts of apsarases and gandharvas, this auspicious place shines. I always delight to dwell here; hear the reason for this: my mind is set here, and my devotee, ever offering his actions to me, abides here. Nowhere else, O goddess, does one attain liberation as here; indeed, one who dies here, even by desire, is destined for liberation. This is my divine city, most secret among secrets, great indeed; Brahmā and others know it, as do the perfected ones and those seeking liberation. Therefore, this field is supreme, and this is my highest goal; it is called Avimukta, for I never abandon it, nor do I ever release it. Therefore, this is my field, known as Avimukta; not in Naimisha, Kurukshetra, Gangadvara, or Pushkara—because by bathing or serving in those places, liberation is not attained; but here, by what is attained, this place surpasses them. Liberation may be obtained at Prayāga or here by my acceptance; yet, even above Prayāga, the foremost of sacred fords, this auspicious Avimukta excels. Truth is the Upaniṣad of dharma; tranquility is the Upaniṣad of liberation; but the best of the wise do not know the Upaniṣad of this sacred field and ford. Whether enjoying, sleeping, playing, or performing various actions, if a being gives up life at Avimukta, he is destined for liberation. Even after committing thousands of sins, it is better for men to become a ghost than to attain the lordship of a thousand Indras in heaven without Kāśī city. Therefore, Avimukta must indeed be served for liberation; here the great ascetic Jaigīṣavya attained supreme accomplishment. Because of the greatness of this field and devotion to me, the cave of Jaigīṣavya is considered the best among yogins, the desired place. There, constantly meditating on me, the fire of yoga blazes intensely; one attains the highest liberation, rare even for the gods. Here, liberation is attained by sages who know all doctrines, through subtle signs of the linga; elsewhere, it is rarely achieved. To them, I shall declare the supreme power of yoga, union with the Self, and the very place that is desired.