In that sacred assembly, the great sages Nārada, Śaunaka, Hārīta, and Devala were present, along with many others devoted to their vows in service of the gods. Some among them engaged in diverse forms of worship, while others, their minds deeply focused, recited prayers with unwavering concentration. There were those who offered oblations into the fire, and others who sang praises to the divine, each expressing their devotion in their own way. Filled with curiosity at the king’s actions, the sages gathered and spoke together, saying, “O best of kings, why is it that you are always devoted to circumambulating this sacred place? You do not offer abundant, delightful water to the liṅga, though you are certainly capable of giving many other kinds of gifts, O lord of the earth.” In response, the king spoke with humility, revealing a wondrous truth: “All that happened in my previous birth is entirely true, especially so. In this very palace, I once dwelt as a bird—a parrot—at that time. By the compassion and power of the divine, I was born again, retaining the memory of my past life. Yet, I do not know what fruit I shall receive today from the grace of this god.” Hearing the words of King Veṇu, the sages, renowned for their steadfast vows, were deeply moved. Together, they performed circumambulation at that holy site, following the king’s example. By the grace of Śambhu, the blessed king Veṇu too continued in his worship. Even today, in that sacred place, many stones can be seen that resemble the Three-Eyed One, Śiva. On the western side stands the liṅga of Pinākin. In ancient times, Bhadrakarṇa, one of Śiva’s beloved Gaṇas, resided there. It was during a fierce battle with the Dānavas that calamity struck: Skanda was lost, the army was slain, and Vīrabhadra was defeated. Among the enemy was a powerful Dānava named Namuci, whose strength surpassed all others. Bhadrakarṇa, seeing this formidable foe, immediately rushed forward. With his mighty sword, he struck and cut away Namuci’s armor. Overpowered, the Daitya fell into deep darkness; slain, he bowed to Hara and remained there in submission. Then Lord Śiva spoke to Bhadrakarṇa, saying, “Choose a boon, good one, you who always dwell in my heart.” Bhadrakarṇa replied, “May your presence be here, and may you remain steadfast in this lake.” Śiva granted this wish, declaring that there would be a special presence in both the lake and the liṅga. He proclaimed, “Whoever bathes in the Bhadrakarṇa lake with a mind focused upon the Three-Eyed One will surely be blessed. Therefore, one should diligently perform bathing there above all other places.” This holy site became renowned as Kedāra, the remover of all sins for people. There, the sacred Mandākinī joins with the Sarasvatī, making it a place of great spiritual merit. Hear now, O King, the ancient story as it truly happened. In the Solar dynasty was born Ajapāla, a king among kings. Remarkably, this ruler had neither elephants nor infantry nor cavalry, and he did not levy taxes upon his subjects. If any offense arose among his people, he dealt with it justly. While Ajapāla ruled the earth, the clouds gave rain as desired, and the crops flourished, full of flavor and abundance. In time, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha came to visit. Upon seeing the sage, King Ajapāla honored him with all the respect and rituals prescribed by the scriptures, exemplifying the noble path of dharma.