In ancient times, the goddess Sarasvatī emerged from the mango tree, radiating her divine presence. This event set the stage for a wondrous tale, for the arrival of Kedāra in this sacred place was a matter of great marvel. Let us listen closely to how this came to be, as it has been passed down through tradition. The holy places, beginning with the Gaṅgā, and the celestial sites, foremost among them Kedāra, were gathered together. All the great sages journeyed to Brahmā, the creator, seeking wisdom. In the divine assembly of the gods, all the sacred fords and shrines were present, and amidst their conversation, Indra, king of the heavens, addressed Brahmā, the four-faced Lord. Indra asked, "O Lord, I wish to hear about the merit and greatness of these ages." Brahmā then spoke of the cycles of time: The Kṛta Yuga, he said, lasts for twenty-eight thousand years; Tretā Yuga extends for one million two hundred thousand years; Dvāpara Yuga is eight hundred thousand and sixty-four thousand years; and Kali Yuga endures for four hundred and thirty-two thousand years. In the Kṛta Yuga, dharma stands firmly on four legs, and Janārdana appears with a white hue. During this age, righteousness prevails, and people do not suffer untimely death. The world is free from desire, anger, fear, greed, envy, and malice. As time advances, the Tretā Yuga arrives, and dharma stands on three legs. In this era, sacrifices are performed by living beings, yielding the results they desire. Austerity, celibacy, ritual bathing, and various forms of charity are practiced with devotion. Next comes the Dvāpara Yuga, the third age. Here, people engage in recitation, sacrifice, and austerity, motivated by the pursuit of results. Kings wage wars upon the earth, and the balance of righteousness begins to waver. Finally, the dreadful Kali Yuga dawns, the fourth age. Viṣṇu takes on a dark complexion, and sin becomes widespread. Kings grow greedy for wealth, consumed by countless desires and delusions. Cows yield little milk, and the twice-born lose their commitment to truth. Wickedness spreads, and truth becomes scarce. In Kali Yuga, even in the twelfth year, women will become pregnant, and all castes and stages of life will lose their distinctions. The sacred fords—once pure and holy—will be rendered useless, defiled by foreigners. Upon hearing these dire predictions, the assembled sages and holy places addressed Brahmā, the one of unmanifest birth: "O Lord of the gods, tell us where we may always reside." Brahmā declared that they must journey together, along with the sacred fords and shrines, to a place of refuge. He proclaimed that even those who have committed great sins, if they behold Arbuda, will find redemption. Thus, all the sacred fords departed from their former abodes in the Kali age and took refuge on Mount Arbuda, the lord of mountains, out of fear of Kali. Kurukshetra, Prabhasa, and Brahmavarta—all these holy places established their residence upon Arbuda. There, those who are peaceful and devoted will attain supreme liberation. Now, listen to the wondrous event that transpired there in ancient times. A man of righteous nature, free from desire and anger, performed austerity on Mount Arbuda, seeking the highest truth.