Along the sacred banks of India’s great rivers, holy places are scattered like jewels. Some lie beside the Krishna and Venna rivers, while others find their home near the Tungabhadra. Further south, a few rest on the banks of the Kaveri, and still others grace the banks of the Vegavati. Some sacred sites are found by the Airavati, and others near the Yatukankshi. There are those that dwell on the banks of the Kanya and the Kumari, while some are near the Tamasā and the Varuna. A few are by the Vipāśā, and others on the banks of the Śatadru. Some holy places lie close to the Bindusara lake, and others are found by the shores of the Pampā lake. There are sites on the banks of the Mālinī and the Gandhavati rivers as well. Some sacred fields are at the Indradyumna lake, and others at Maṇikarṇikā. A few are near the subterranean Ganga, and some by the Śarāvatī. At the confluence of the Lohitya, a few more are found, while others rest on the banks of the Kālamā. There are places near Suralopa, and others by the Payoshnī river. Among all these, the most sacred region of Varanasi stands out, purified within a span of five krośas, and its glory has been described. Wherever the holy site of Kapālamocana is found, there too resides Kālabhairava, the fierce aspect of Shiva. The sanctified places of Gaya and Prayaga have also been recounted—both are renowned for granting every attainment 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 humankind. The Naimisha region, where the great Lord himself dwells, is also well known. There is a place called Amaresha, famed for fulfilling every desire. The great and holy place of Pushkara has been described, as well as the pure abode of the Ashadha goddesses. The place called Dandimundi has been revealed, along with the sanctified ground named Lakula. Bharabhuti, Aralakeshvara, and the mighty sacred field of Gaya have all been spoken of. Kurukshetra, hallowed by ancient deeds, has been communicated, and so too the excellent site named Kanakhala. O Markandeya, the great field called Talaka has been declared to you, along with the renowned place of Attahasa. O best knower of the Vedas, you have been told of the field called Krittivasa. With the goddess Bhramarambika, the great Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna. On the bank of the Suvarnamukharī, he is known as Kalahasti. In Kanchi, at the root of the sacred mango tree, he is venerated as Kamashasana, beloved of Kamakshi. There exists a place called Vyaghrapura, nestled within the region of Tillikanana. The holy site of Shvetaranya, too, has been previously described. There, Rāghava once spoke of the hallowed ground called Setubandha. The place named Gatapratyāhvaya is where the Bull-bannered Lord dwells. In the land of Vṛddhācala, one finds a river sparkling with jewels and pearls. You have heard of the most excellent site called Śrīmad-Madhyārjuna, and of Somatīrtha, established by Somanātha himself. Indeed, the field called Siddhavaṭa, too, has been made known to you. Thus have the sacred places—each a beacon of divine presence and promise—been lovingly recounted, their glories shining across the land.