With reverence, salutations were offered to the Lord, whose form encompasses the universe, pure and of great soul. Pleased by this devotion, the Lord spoke kindly, granting the boon-seeker the chance to choose a blessing, wishing them good fortune for their steadfastness. Having spoken these words, the Lord broke through the mountain, and before the devotee, a liṅga—a sacred emblem—arose. The Lord revealed that this manifestation had been promised earlier to the great-souled mountain, and affirmed that, by the words of the best of Brāhmaṇas, all would indeed come to pass. He declared that whoever among mortals recites this hymn to him with devotion would be blessed. The Lord explained that he had been sent by Indra, for the sake of what was dear to him, and described the northern direction of the god, where a sacred pool always exists. Whoever visits this pool attains the supreme state, free from old age and death. He recounted how, by splitting the mountain, his liṅga had emerged from there, and due to its greatness, it would never move from its place. Having spoken thus, the great Lord Maheśvara fell silent. Then, Indra and the other gods visited the sacred fords and shrines, and, pleased, the best of the gods made his abode there. At this point, Sūta was approached by eager listeners, who expressed their curiosity and requested that he tell the auspicious story as it happened. Sūta went to the house of Yayāti, bowed to him, and the king welcomed him warmly, saying, “Welcome, best of sages; today my life has become fruitful.” Yayāti spoke of a mountain named Arbuda, renowned upon the earth, and asked Sūta to tell him everything in detail, as a devotee of pilgrimage. Sūta replied that even in a hundred years, he could not speak of it in full detail, but would briefly recount its principal holy places. He noted that Arbuda especially bestows the good fortune of sons upon women. There was a Brahmin woman named Gautamī, virtuous, chaste, and devoted to her husband. She journeyed to Arbuda and entered the Nāga-tīrtha. Accompanied by her sons, the leader arrived at that holy place, bringing all necessary implements, darbha grass, and various kinds of flowers. Her son was blessed, always serving her faithfully. Gautamī, separated from her husband and bereft of a son, was deeply afflicted with sorrow. Yet, even without union with her husband, she suddenly became pregnant. Overwhelmed, she resolved upon death and kindled a fire. But it was explained to her that she was without fault; it was due to the power of this sacred place. Whatever a person desires in their heart while standing in the waters of this holy site is granted. When Gautamī saw her son, the wish for a son arose in her heart, and thus her wish was fulfilled. She was urged to desist, blessed as a virtuous wife, and assured she had no fault. Hearing a voice from the sky, spoken by a divine messenger, Gautamī marveled at the unprecedented power of the sacred place. She resolved not to go anywhere else, having experienced this supreme holy site. In time, she gave birth to a son endowed with all auspicious marks. It was proclaimed that whoever performs the śrāddha rite here, their lineage does not perish. Any man, free from desire, who bathes at this site, and any woman who offers only flowers and fruits at this holy place, are blessed. Thus, the greatness and sanctity of Arbuda, and the power of its holy places, were revealed.