Burdened by the sin of Brahman-killing, Rudra wandered the earth in search of refuge and purification. His journey took him to the sacred lands of Vatsagulma and Gokarna, then northward to the realms of the Kurus, Bhadrashva, Ketumala, and Hiranyaka. Still restless, he traveled to Kamarupa, Prabhasa, and the mighty Mahendra mountain, but nowhere did he find solace from his affliction. Haunted by shame and the ever-present skull that clung to his hand, Rudra repeatedly tried to cast it away, shaking his hands in vain. Yet the skull would not fall, and he realized that his ordeal was not yet ended. With this understanding, Rudra resolved to undertake a difficult vow, declaring, “By my very path, O twice-born, all will go everywhere.” So, meditating deeply, he continued his wandering across the earth. At last, Rudra arrived at Pushkara, entering a supreme forest vibrant with life. The air was heavy with the fragrance of blooming trees, the ground adorned with flowers as if arranged by a loving hand. The forest teemed with the sounds of animals, and the trees offered both ripe and unripe fruits, their blossoms filling the air with sweet scents. Rudra entered a grove and, filled with devotion, began to worship. He thought, “Here, as I worship with devotion, Brahmā will grant me a boon. By Brahmā’s grace, I will attain the knowledge of Pushkara, which destroys sin, subdues the wicked, and increases nourishment, prosperity, and strength.” Thus, Rudra of immeasurable brilliance meditated deeply. Pleased by Rudra’s devotion and austerities, Brahmā, the lotus-born creator, appeared before him. Lifting the bowed Rudra, Brahmā spoke with kindness: “By your observance of divine vows and offerings, you have worshipped me with great faith and longing for my vision. Those who are steadfast in their vows—humans and gods alike—behold me. Therefore, I grant you the highest boon you desire.” Rudra replied humbly, “O Lord, your appearance before me is boon enough. I have worshipped you, the creator of the world, through great sacrifice and long austerity that exhausts the very life-breath. Yet, O Lord of gods, this skull still clings to my hand, a cause of shame among the sages. By your grace, let this vow of the skull-bearer be declared accomplished. Tell me, in what sacred place shall I cast this, so that I may be purified among the sages?” Brahmā answered, “There is an ancient and holy place of the Lord, called Avimukta. There, you will find the sacred site Kapālamocana. I, you, and Viṣṇu will be present there. At that place, even great sinners are purified and enjoy pleasures in my abode. Two beloved rivers, Varaṇā and Asī, flow there, and within the field between them, no one destined for death ever enters. That is the foremost of holy places, the greatest of fields for you. From the moment of bodily death, people who serve that field are blessed.” Brahmā continued, “Those who die there ascend to heaven in a swan-chariot, free from all fear. I grant you a field five krośas in extent. When the Gaṅgā flows through the middle of that field to the lord of rivers, that city will become supremely holy. The Gaṅgā, pure and northward, Sarasvatī flowing eastward, and the Jāhnavī river flowing far to the north—all will be present. There, all the gods, along with me and Indra, will come to dwell. There, O Rudra, release the skull.” He further explained, “Those who honor their ancestors with offerings and rites in that sacred place attain an imperishable world in heaven. Bathing at the great site of Varanasi frees one from the sins of seven births; even by visiting, one is liberated. That place is proclaimed the highest among all holy sites. Those who surrender their lives there, O devoted one, are truly blessed.” Brahmā assured Rudra, “Those who attain Rudra’s state rejoice with you. Whatever gift is given there by one devoted to Rudra brings immense reward. For the pure-minded, the fruit of such actions is limitless. Those who perform their own rites there with clarity and sincerity attain the realm of Rudra and dwell in eternal happiness. Worship, recitation, and offerings performed there are fulfilled. Heaven yields endless rewards to those whose hearts are devoted to Rudra, and by offering lamps there, one attains the eye of wisdom.” He continued, “Whoever releases a flawless, youthful, gentle, and handsome calf there attains the supreme state and liberation, along with their ancestors—there is no doubt. In truth, whatever is performed there according to duty yields endless results. That sacred place is the very cause of heaven and liberation on earth. Bathing, recitation, and offerings are all means to endless rewards for those devoted to Rudra who come to Varanasi in faith. Those devotees who pass away there become Vasus, ancestors, Rudras, and grandfathers—there is no doubt.” Thus, Brahmā revealed to Rudra the path to purification and the supreme sanctity of Varanasi, the city that grants liberation and endless blessings to all who seek refuge there.