After speaking thus, the son of Mṛkaṇḍu—accompanied by other great sages—sat in the assembly. At that moment, Nandikeśvara turned to the sage and addressed him with warmth: “O wise one, you have inquired about the place that stands foremost among the devotees of Maheśvara, the great Lord. Know that these sacred regions were established by the gods themselves, each according to the nature of their deeds and merits. You have served these places and their presiding deities well, bringing great benefit to all. Indeed, even with few actions, or simply by knowledge and remembrance, these holy places are attained again and again by the faithful. Yet, how does one who is truly detached avoid returning to the womb, escaping the cycle of birth? As the occasion arose, I have already described the various sacred regions to you. Some of these holy places lie along the banks of the Gaṅgā, while others are found on the shores of the Sarasvatī. There are some on the banks of the Narmadā, and still others beside the Godāvarī. Some are set by the ocean, others upon islands, and some again near the Sarasvatī. A few are on the banks of the Krishna and Venna rivers, while others are close to the Tungabhadrā. The Kaverī and Vegavatī also have their share of sanctified banks, as do the Airavatī and Yatukankshi rivers. There are places on the banks of the Kanyā and Kumārī rivers, and others near the Tamasā and Varuṇa. Some sacred sites are near the Vipāśā, while others rest on the banks of the Śatadru. There are those near the Bindusara lake, and some by the waters of the Pampā lake. The Mālinī and Gandhavatī rivers, too, cradle holy places along their banks. Some sacred regions are at the Indradyumna lake, others at Maṇikarṇikā; a few are near the subterranean Ganga, and some by the Śarāvatī. At the confluence of the Lohitya, and along the banks of the Kālamā, more of these holy sites are found. Certain places are near Suralopa, others beside the Payoshnī. Foremost among these is the sacred region of Varanasi, purified within a circuit of five krośas, which I have described to you. Wherever the holy site of Kapālamocana is found, there too abides Kālabhairava, the fierce aspect of Shiva. Gaya and Prayaga, both renowned, have also been mentioned; they are known to grant all attainments to those who seek. You have heard of Kedara, where the Lord himself assumes the form of a buffalo, and of Badarikāśrama, the field that bestows all blessings upon men. The Naimisha region, where the great Lord resides, is known to you. There is also Amaresha, a place said to fulfill every desire. The great and pure region of Pushkara has been described, as has the sanctified abode of the Ashadha goddesses. I have told you of Dandimundi and the holy place named Lakula, as well as Bharabhuti and Aralakeshvara. The great sacred field called Gaya has been set forth to you, and the place called Kurukshetra has been communicated as well. The excellent region of Kanakhala has been revealed, and the great field known as Talaka declared. Attahasa, too, has been described, and the holy field called Krittivasa. Finally, know that with the goddess Bhramarambika, the great Lord himself is present at Mallikarjuna. Thus, O best of sages, I have recounted to you the foremost sacred places, each sanctified by the presence or deeds of the great Lord and his devotees.