Whoever, intent on fasting, spends even a single night at that sacred place is greatly blessed. Even more so is one who, with unwavering focus, observes a three-night vow in the presence of the sage Vasiṣṭha. Greater still is the merit gained by one who undertakes a month-long fast before Vasiṣṭha. On the full moon of the bright fortnight of Śrāvaṇa, whoever, with a concentrated mind, recites the Gāyatrī mantra eight hundred times before Vasiṣṭha accrues immense spiritual benefit. Likewise, anyone who, filled with faith, performs the Vāmadeva sacrifice there is truly fortunate. Therefore, with every effort, one should seek the darshan of that great sage, Vasiṣṭha. And, O king, Vāmadeva too should be worshipped with one’s whole being and devotion. Pulastya continued: “Then, O best of kings, one should proceed to the supremely holy shrine of Acaleśvara. There, whoever performs the śrāddha ceremony on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight attains great merit. If one worships with devotion, standing in the southern direction, and offers libations with the five nectars, and at the end of the ritual circumambulates and bows to the deity—such a person is truly blessed. A wondrous event once took place there—listen well, O wise one. Long ago, a parrot made its nest in a tree at that very spot. But, O great king, it was not by mere devotion that this parrot was born into the world of birds. In truth, he was born in the earthly royal line and is remembered as King Vena. Remembering the power that arises from circumambulation, King Vena—now in the form of a parrot—did nothing else, day and night, but circumambulate the sacred site. He offered neither flowers nor incense, but always performed circumambulation as his act of worship. There, the sages Nārada, Śaunaka, Hārīta, Devala, and many others devoted to vows for the gods, engaged in various forms of worship. Some performed rituals, others recited prayers with focused minds. Some offered oblations, while others sang hymns of praise. Filled with curiosity, these sages approached King Vena and asked, ‘O best of kings, why are you always devoted to circumambulation? You do not offer abundant, delightful water to the liṅga, though you are capable of giving other gifts as well.’ King Vena replied, ‘All that occurred in my previous body is entirely true. Formerly, in this very palace, I dwelt as a bird—a parrot. By the compassion and power of the deity, I was born with the memory of my past birth. I do not know what fruit I shall receive today from this god’s grace.’ Hearing King Vena’s words, the sages renowned for their vows were deeply moved. Thereupon, all those great sages themselves performed circumambulation at that sacred site. And that blessed king, Vena, too, by the grace of Śambhu, continued his worship. Even today, many stones resembling the three-eyed Lord are seen at that place. On its western side stands the liṅga of Pinākin. In ancient times, the Bhadrakarṇa Gaṇa, beloved of Śiva, resided there. Then, at a certain time, a great battle was fought with the Dānavas. In that conflict, Skanda was lost, the divine army was slain, and even Vīrabhadra was defeated.