In the sacred conversation, the Lord spoke of a holy site called Kapālamocana, promising that he, along with Viṣṇu and the listener, would be present there. At this place, even those burdened with great sins, upon beholding the Lord, would find enjoyment and purification, ultimately reaching his divine abode. Two rivers, Varaṇā and Asī—dear to the gods—flow through this region. Between them lies a field so sanctified that no one destined for death ever enters it. This field is proclaimed as the greatest among holy places, the most eminent for the listener, and from the moment a person’s body falls there, their service to the sacred field begins. Those who die in this place ascend to heaven, riding in swan-chariots, free from all fear. The Lord has given a field five krośas in extent for the listener. When the Gaṅgā flows through the heart of this field to the lord of rivers, then, O Rudra, the city will become supremely holy. The Gaṅgā, pure and north-facing, together with Sarasvatī flowing eastward and the Jāhnavī river traveling two yojanas northward, sanctify this land. Here, all the gods, along with the Lord, Indra, and others, will come to dwell. It is here that the skull is to be released. Those who journey to this sacred place and honor their ancestors with offerings and rites secure an imperishable world in heaven. Bathing at the great sacred site of Varanasi liberates one from the sins of seven births; even a mere visit grants freedom. This sacred place is celebrated as the highest among all holy sites. Those beings who surrender their lives here, O devoted one, are truly blessed. Having attained the state of Rudra, they rejoice in union with him. Any gift given here by one devoted to Rudra yields immense reward, especially for those with purified minds who perform their own rites with clarity and sincerity. Such souls attain the realm of Rudra, dwelling always in happiness. Worship, recitation, and sacrificial offerings made here by embodied beings are fulfilled. Heaven bestows endless rewards to those whose hearts are devoted to Rudra, and by offering lamps in this place, one attains the eye of wisdom. Whoever liberates a flawless, gentle, youthful, and handsome calf here attains the supreme state, reaching liberation together with their ancestors—there is no doubt. Indeed, whatever is performed here, when done according to duty, yields endless results. This sacred site is regarded as the cause of heaven and liberation upon earth. Bathing, recitation, and sacrificial offerings are means to endless rewards. Those devoted to Rudra who come to Varanasi with faith, and those who pass away there, are to be known as Vasus, ancestors, Rudras, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and Adityas—according to Vedic tradition. The threefold rite for offering food to ancestors is described, and humans who come to this place should always perform these offerings, especially by their own sons with reverence. Good sons bring happiness to their ancestors, and the sacred site described grants liberation even by its mere sight. Bathing in its waters frees one from the bondage of birth, and even the sin of killing a Brahmin is released here, O Rudra. The Lord has given Avimukta, instructing Rudra to remain there with his wife. Rudra affirmed: Among all the sacred places on earth, he dwells there with Viṣṇu, staying as requested, granting the boon. He declared himself the great god, always to be worshipped. Pleased within his heart, he promised further boons, including those desired from Viṣṇu. Among all gods and sages devoted to the Self, Rudra alone is the giver and the one to be approached for boons; no other should be considered. Brahmā responded, promising to fulfill Rudra’s auspicious words, and Nārāyaṇa also pledged to grant the request completely. Having thus addressed Rudra, Brahmā vanished, and Mahādeva went to Vārāṇasī, establishing a sacred site there. Bhīṣma then asked: What did Brahmā do after sending him to Vārāṇasī? What actions did Janārdana and Śaṅkara undertake? At which sacred place was the sacrifice performed, and who were its members and priests? Pulastya replied: On the summit of Mount Meru stood the city called Śrīnidhāna, adorned with jewels—a dwelling of many wonders, thick with trees, resplendent with minerals, and clear as pure crystal. The city was rich with vine canopies, filled with peacock cries, and crowded with herds of elephants startled by lions’ roars. Fine sprays from waterfalls and streams cooled the air, groves swayed in the wind, and delightful drinking places abounded. The entire forest was perfumed with musk, and Vidyādharas, weary from love-play in vine bowers, slept along the paths. The place resounded with the sweet music sung by groups of Kinnaras, and the grounds were splendidly arranged. There stood the palace called Vairāja, belonging to Brahmā, filled with the songs of celestial women. Garlands from Pārijāta trees adorned it, and it was decorated with radiant, multicolored jewels.