O King, hear the tale of the serpents and their devotion, and the sacred places that arose from their trials. Whoever recites this account with faith shall be blessed. Long ago, on the lovely slopes of Mount Arbuda, the serpents gathered in fear, for they remembered the curse of their mother, Kadru. Tormented by her words, they lamented: “O best among serpents, our mother’s curse weighs heavily upon us. She declared that only those among us who are devoted to austerity, righteous, and well-disciplined would be spared from being consumed by fire during King Parikṣit’s great sacrifice.” Determined to escape their fate, the serpents resolved to practice austerity with unwavering concentration. Their mother had promised that by the mere mention of certain names, calamities would be destroyed, and by her grace, they would be freed from affliction—no other, whether divine or human, could grant them liberation. With reverence, the serpents bowed to their leader and set forth toward Mount Arbuda. There, they broke through the earth’s surface and, steadfast in their vows and devotion to the goddess, remained upon the mountain. They continually performed sacred fire offerings and recited the highest prayers. Some used their teeth as mortars, others crushed offerings with stones, while the gods themselves sang and played music before them. The goddess, greatly pleased by their devotion, appeared and spoke: “Children, I am satisfied. For what purpose have you undertaken this austerity?” The serpents replied, “On the command of the serpent king, we have come to you for refuge. Protect us from the fear of the curse and the fire that will consume us in Parikṣit’s sacrifice.” The goddess reassured them: “Remain without fear and enjoy abundant pleasures. When the sacrifice is completed, you will return to your own abode. This sacred place, Nāga lake, will manifest on earth, and whoever bathes there shall have no fear of calamity. All pleasures known on earth, whether divine or human, will be yours.” Thus, those who sought refuge with the goddess stayed on the excellent mountain. After a long time, during Parikṣit’s sacrifice, the serpents, having received the goddess’s permission, bowed repeatedly and departed. Even today, on the fifth day of Krishna in the month of Śrāvaṇa, it is said one should perform the śrāddha ritual there with utmost effort. Thus concludes the chapter entitled “The Glory of Nāgodbhava Tīrtha,” in the Arbuda section of the revered Skanda Purāṇa. Now, O king, hear of another sacred place: where the hidden Jahnavi abides. Whoever bathes there properly attains the merit of all holy sites. You ask, “When did she arrive? I am most curious.” On Mount Arbuda, one must always remain steadfast. There, the liṅga was established by Śaṃbhu himself. For some reason, with intense anger, the god declared, “I must remain here on the mountain; there is no doubt.” In the form of the Lord of the Mountain, the thought of Ganga arose in his mind. Yet Gauri, proud and supreme, did not know. Considering a great means for union with Jahnavi, the story continues, revealing the mysteries of the sacred mountain and its divine presences.