On the sacred mountain, the earth’s surface broke open, and immediately after, those who had come—steadfast in their vows and devoted to the goddess—remained there. They stood continually, performing sacred fire offerings and reciting the highest prayers with unwavering devotion. Some among them used their teeth as mortars, others crushed substances with stones, each contributing to the ritual in their own way. In front, other gods performed singing and music, filling the air with divine melodies. The goddess, greatly pleased by their dedication, spoke: “I am satisfied with you, children. For what purpose is this austerity undertaken?” They replied, “On the command of the serpent king, we have come to you for refuge. Please protect us from the fear arising from the curse and the fire; in Parikṣit’s sacrifice, the fire will consume us.” The goddess reassured them: “Remain without fear and enjoy abundant pleasures. When the sacrifice is completed, you will return again to your own abode. The Nāga lake, this very sacred place, will manifest on earth. Whoever bathes there shall have no fear of calamity. All the pleasures known on earth, divine or human, will be yours.” Those who sought refuge with the goddess stayed on that excellent mountain, secure in her protection. After a long time had passed, during the sacrifice of Parikṣit, the goddess granted them permission to depart. They bowed repeatedly in gratitude. Even today, O king, on the fifth day of Krishna in the month of Śrāvaṇa, it is said that one should perform śrāddha there with utmost effort, honoring the sacredness of the place. Thus concludes the thirty-seventh chapter, entitled “The Glory of Nāgodbhava Tīrtha,” in the third section of Arbuda, within the seventh Prabhāsa section of the Śrī Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Now, O best of kings, where the hidden Jahnavi abides, whoever bathes there properly attains the merit of all sacred places. You ask, “At what time did she arrive? I am truly most curious.” On this Arbuda mountain, O mighty one, you must always remain steadfast. There, the liṅga was established by the god Śaṃbhu himself. Due to another cause and accompanied by intense anger, a resolve was made: “I must remain here on the mountain; there is no doubt about this.” In the form of the Lord of the Mountain, Ganga arose in the mind. Gauri, proud and supreme, was unaware of this. Having considered a great means for union with Jahnavi, a certain intention arose—a vow related to water. “There, I will remain within the water, devoted to the water,” he resolved. Filled with clear water, this sacred place brought great happiness. Under the pretext of a vow, the Lord of gods entered there immediately. Gauri, having meditated, was instantly united with Shiva in that sacred spot. By the pretext of a vow, O king, Gauri did not recognize him; endowed with the knowledge of liberation, he arrived there, wandering about. He saw Mahadeva standing in the water, observing a vow, and wondered, “What is this change in the face and eyes of this ascetic?” Through the vision of meditation, he saw Maheshvara absorbed in the Ganga. Then, he narrated everything concerning Hara’s actions, revealing the mysteries of the Lord’s presence and union in that holy place.