In the sacred land of Varāhatīrtha, the foremost Brāhmaṇas extolled the virtue of giving gifts, teaching that such acts bring immense merit. It was said that a person who gives generously dwells in heaven for as many years as there are hairs upon his body. On the eleventh day, especially, one should perform a most excellent bath, for the ritual purifies and uplifts the soul. Thus concluded the nineteenth chapter, titled "The Greatness of Varāhatīrtha," within the third Arbuda section of the seventh Prabhāsa book of the vast Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Long ago, at this very place, Prabhā arrived with the radiant Moon. O King, among Dakṣa’s daughters, who numbered twenty-seven, the Moon was especially enamored of Rohini. Though he was meant to treat all his wives equally, he always delighted in Rohini. The other daughters, hearts heavy and eyes brimming with tears, went to their father Dakṣa, bowed respectfully, and spoke: "O lord of progeny, though blameless, we have been abandoned by our husband. Please be our refuge, O best of gods; do what is beneficial for us all." Dakṣa replied, "See equally all my daughters." Filled with shame, the Moon promised to do so. Yet, when Dakṣa departed, the Moon again favored Rohini. Once more, the neglected daughters, greatly distressed, returned to Dakṣa and pleaded, "Afflicted by misfortune and sorrow, we will surely die—there is no doubt." Dakṣa, angered, addressed the Moon: "Because you did not heed my words, you have committed a wrong. Therefore, you shall waste away from consumption; there is no doubt." Stricken by the curse, the Moon began to diminish day by day, his radiance fading. Desperate, the Moon wondered what could be done to escape this dreadful fate. Resolving to seek help, he journeyed to Mount Arbud and performed severe austerities. After ten thousand years, Mahadeva was pleased with his devotion and said, "I will grant you a boon, O Moon, even though it may be difficult to obtain." The Moon pleaded, "My body, O lord of the world, has been afflicted by consumption." But Mahadeva explained, "I cannot undo the curse of that great soul, Dakṣa. Therefore, you must treat all the maidens equally, as commanded." Mahadeva further decreed, "O Moon, when Krishna wanes, you will diminish; when Shukla waxes, you will grow." Thus, the Moon’s waxing and waning began, reflecting the divine command. The sacred tirtha where the Moon regained his radiance became known as Prabhāsa Tirtha. Whoever bathes here with devotion will surely attain the highest state. By offering piṇḍa, O Lord of the gods, one’s ancestors are elevated to heaven. Because the Moon’s radiance was restored in this pure-watered tirtha, it became renowned as Prabhāsa Tirtha. Those who bathe here attain the supreme state, and their merit equals performing ancestral rites at Gaya. The Moon, in accordance with Mahadeva’s decree, enjoyed the company of all the wives born from Dakṣa. There was also a sacred tirtha where the twice-born performed austerities with offerings of piṇḍa and water. In ancient times, O wise one, there lived a Brahmin named Piṇḍodaka. Unable to study due to dullness, he was troubled and disheartened. At that very place, Sarasvati herself appeared before him. Seeing the Brahmin weary and filled with dispassion, she asked, "Why are you not joyful at heart? Why have you come here?" He replied, "Deprived of knowledge, O blessed one, I now desire death. Goddess Sarasvati does not move on the tip of my tongue; for me, death is better than life in this mute condition." Thus, the sacred stories of Varāhatīrtha and Prabhāsa Tirtha reveal the profound blessings bestowed upon those who honor the holy places, perform rituals with devotion, and seek divine grace.