In a sacred land, O best of kings, a remarkable event unfolded. Once, a second shadow appeared upon the king’s body, casting a pall of sorrow over him. Deeply afflicted, he returned at once to that holy place, aware of its great sanctity. There, the foremost of kings honored the best of brāhmaṇas with generous gifts and, with a heart full of devotion, entered the sacred fire. As a result of his piety, he ascended to a celestial chariot, leaving behind his mortal form. Thus, that noble king attained the world of Śiva, blessed among the blessed. Of all holy places, this one was declared the supreme and most purifying. From that time onward, the site became renowned throughout the earth as Raktānubandha, celebrated by all. It is said that whoever bathes there at the time of the sun’s crossing, or performs the sacred śrāddha rites in Gayā—the very field of the ancestors—gains immense merit. During an eclipse of the moon or sun, the gift of a cow is especially auspicious, O king. Pulastya then spoke: “O foremost of kings, let us now proceed to the great Vināyaka.” Yayāti, eager to know more, asked, “How did Vināyaka attain such greatness in this place, in times long past?” Pulastya continued: For his own amusement, the Lord created a delicate child. Yet, due to the absence of ointment, the child was born headless, though its other limbs were perfect. The command was given: “Bring ointment quickly, Skanda, for the sake of the head; may this be auspicious for you.” By Gaurī’s command, the ointment was procured and applied to the body wherever it appeared. Meanwhile, Parvatī repeatedly cautioned, “Do not touch me.” Because of this, the child’s leadership and power arose especially from his limbs. This wondrous being was threefold deep, four-armed, and sevenfold red. When Gaurī beheld him—threefold wide—she was filled with astonishment. By the goddess’s grace, the child was brought to life and arose at that very moment. Seeing this marvelous form, Gaurī joyfully called him “son” again and again. She declared, “This one is born from the ointment of my body. The head that Skanda has joined is great, as you proclaim. Therefore, leadership is established in his body.” Parvatī, daughter of the mountain, granted him lordship over all the Gaṇas. Those mortals who honor this Lord of the Gaṇas before beginning any undertaking are especially blessed. Skanda then presented him a small axe to play with, while Gaurī gifted him a vessel brimming with sweet modaka. Drawn by the enticing fragrance of the food, a mouse emerged from its hole. Listen carefully, O king, to the merit that arises from this tale: whatever sins one may have committed in childhood, youth, or old age—if, in the bright half of the month of Māgha, on the fourth day, after fasting and bathing with devotion before a great altar filled with pure water, one beholds Vināyaka, recites the mantra ‘of the Gaṇas’, and circumambulates him three times—then, with all effort, one should behold Vināyaka. Even a householder, if he remembers Vināyaka with devotion whenever he begins a task, or simply rising in the morning, gains immense merit. Such is the glory of Vināyaka, the Lord of the Gaṇas, and the sanctity of this sacred place.