Moved by the profound devotion and austerities of Rudra, Brahmā—the lotus-born creator—appeared before him. With compassion, Brahmā gently raised Rudra, who was bowed in reverence, and spoke with kindness: “Through your steadfast observance of divine vows and sacrificial offerings, you have worshipped me with great faith, longing for my vision. Those who remain firm in such vows, whether human or divine, are able to behold me. In response to your devotion, I am ready to grant you the highest boon you desire.” Brahmā continued, “You have performed this vow with mind, speech, body, and heart fully dedicated, seeking the fulfillment of all desires. Tell me, blessed one, what is it you wish for? I shall grant it.” Rudra replied with humility, “O Lord, this very boon is enough for me—that I have seen you, the world’s creator, revered by all. I bow to you, having reached you through great sacrifice and long-practiced austerity. By penances that have exhausted my very life-breath, I have finally seen you, Lord of gods. Yet, this skull remains in my hand and has not fallen away.” He continued, “O Lord, this practice is considered shameful among the sages and is looked down upon, but by your grace, I have completed this vow of the skull-bearer. Let this great vow be declared accomplished for one who has sought refuge in you. Tell me, in which sacred place should I cast this skull, so that I may become pure among the purified sages?” Brahmā answered, “There is an ancient, holy place of the Lord called Avimukta. There, at the sacred site known as Kapālamocana, you, I, and Viṣṇu will all be present. At your very sight, even those burdened with great sin will enjoy happiness and become purified, attaining my abode. There, the two divine rivers, Varaṇā and Asī, flow—beloved by the gods—and within the field between them, no one destined for death may enter. That place is the foremost of holy sites, the greatest of fields for you. From the moment of death, people serve that field, and those who die there ascend to heaven in a swan-chariot, free from all fear. A field five krośas in extent I give to you. “In time, when the Gaṅgā flows to the lord of rivers through the center of that field, then, O Rudra, that city will become supremely holy. The Gaṅgā, pure and facing north, Sarasvatī flowing eastward, and the Jāhnavī river moving two yojanas northward—all these sacred rivers will be present. There, all the gods, along with myself and Indra, will come to dwell. There you may release the skull. “Whoever visits that sacred place and honors their ancestors with offerings and rites attains an imperishable world in heaven. Bathing at the great site of Varanasi frees one from the sins of seven births; even a visit brings liberation. That place is declared the highest among all holy sites, and those who surrender their lives there are truly blessed. Having attained Rudra’s state, they rejoice with you, and gifts given there by devotees bring immense rewards. “For those of pure mind, the fruits of such actions are vast. Those who perform their rites there with sincerity attain the realm of Rudra, dwelling always in happiness. Worship, recitation, and sacrifices performed there are fulfilled. The heavens bestow endless rewards to those whose hearts are devoted to Rudra, and by offering lamps there, one attains the eye of wisdom. Whoever liberates a flawless, youthful, gentle, and handsome calf attains the supreme state, going to liberation together with their ancestors—of this, there is no doubt. “In short, whatever is performed there, when done according to duty, yields endless results. That sacred place is the cause of heaven and liberation on earth. Bathing, recitation, and sacrifices there bring endless rewards. Those devoted to Rudra who go to Varanasi with faith and pass away there become Vasus, ancestors, Rudras, and grandfathers; great-grandfathers and Adityas as well, in accordance with Vedic tradition. I have described to you the threefold rite for offering food to ancestors, O sinless one. Humans who come there should always perform these offerings, and their sons should do so with reverence. Good sons bring happiness to their ancestors, and the sacred site I have described grants liberation even by its very sight. “Bathing in its waters frees one from the bondage of birth and from the sin of killing a Brahmin. O Rudra, you may remain there as you wish. I have given you Avimukta; stay there with your wife.” Rudra then declared, “Among all the sacred places on earth, I dwell here with Viṣṇu. As you have asked, I remain here; this boon has been granted by me. I am the great god, always to be worshipped by you. I am pleased and will grant you a boon as well—whatever you desire from Viṣṇu, I shall bestow. Among all the gods and sages devoted to the Self, I alone am the giver and the one to approach for boons; none other should be considered.” Brahmā replied, “I shall do as you have said, O Rudra, your auspicious words. Nārāyaṇa too will fulfill your request completely, without doubt.” Having thus spoken to Rudra, Brahmā vanished. Then, Mahādeva went to Vārāṇasī and established that sacred site, sanctifying it for all time.