By the boundless compassion and power of Śambhu, I was born into this life with the memory of my past birth, a rare blessing indeed. Yet, I do not know what fruit I shall receive today from the grace of this god. Pulastya then spoke: Upon hearing Veṇu’s words, the sages renowned for their steadfast vows gathered together. In reverence, all those great sages performed circumambulation around the sacred place. That blessed king Veṇu too, by the grace of Śambhu, was present. Even today, many stones resembling the three-eyed Lord are seen there. On the western side stands the liṅga of Pinākin. In ancient times, Bhadrakarṇa Gaṇa, beloved of Śiva, dwelled at that place. At one time, a great battle arose with the Dānavas. Skanda was lost, the army was slain, and Vīrabhadra was defeated. Among the Dānavas was a powerful one named Namuci, stronger than all others. Bhadrakarṇa, upon seeing Namuci, immediately rushed forward. With his mighty sword, he struck and cut off the Dānava’s armor. Overcome by Bhadrakarṇa, the Daitya entered deep darkness; slain, he bowed to Hara and remained there. Hara spoke, “Choose a boon, good one, you who always dwell in my heart.” The Daitya replied, “May your presence be here, and may you remain steadfast in this lake.” Thus, there came to be a special presence both in the lake and in the liṅga. Whoever bathes in the Bhadrakarṇa lake with a focused mind upon the Three-Eyed One receives great merit. Therefore, one should diligently perform bathing there above all other places. The site is renowned as Kedāra, the remover of all sins for people. There, the sacred Mandākinī joins with Sarasvatī. Hear, O King, the ancient story as it truly happened. Ajapāla, best of kings, was born of the Solar dynasty. This king had neither elephants nor infantry nor cavalry. He did not levy taxes upon his subjects. If by any chance an offense arose among his people, he resolved it with wisdom and compassion. While this king ruled upon the earth, the clouds rained as desired, and the crops were full of flavor. After some time, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha came to him. Seeing Vasiṣṭha, Ajapāla honored him according to the path prescribed by scripture. Thus honored with supreme devotion, the sage recounted stories of royal sages and likewise of divine sages. At the end of these stories, O best of kings, Ajapāla addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O Brahman, you know all through the power of your austerities. A curiosity has arisen in my heart, O foremost of sages. Please tell me all of that, even though it may be very difficult to obtain. This land is always free from thorns, secure, and endowed with every desired object. No one is miserable, afflicted by sorrow, or suffering from disease. My wife is virtuous and dearer to me than life itself; O Brahmin, tell me in detail all that she has pondered. Is it by the power of charity, or by the observance of vows and sacrifices, O sage? The merit accumulated in a previous birth arouses great curiosity in me.” Thus, the story unfolds, revealing the sacredness of Kedāra and the mysteries of merit and virtue, as sought by the wise and the devoted.