When the great sacrifice had been completed, it was foretold that those who had assembled would return to their own abodes. At that very time, the Nāga lake—a place of profound sanctity—would manifest itself upon the earth. This sacred tirtha would become a refuge for all: whoever bathed in its waters would be freed from the fear of calamity. It was said that all the pleasures known to mortals and the divine alike could be found there. Those who sought shelter with the goddess remained for a long time upon that excellent mountain. Ages later, when King Parikṣit performed his renowned sacrifice, these devotees, having received the goddess’s blessing, bowed to her again and again before departing. Even now, on the fifth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Śrāvaṇa, it is held that one should, with utmost devotion, perform the rites of śrāddha at this very place. Thus concludes the thirty-seventh chapter, “The Glory of Nāgodbhava Tīrtha,” from the third section of Arbuda, in the seventh Prabhāsa division, of the illustrious Skanda Purāṇa. Now, O best of kings, listen further to the tale of sacred places. Where the hidden Jahnavi, the Ganga, abides on earth, whoever bathes there with proper rites attains the merit of all the holy tirthas. You inquire with curiosity: when did she arrive, and how did these events unfold? On Mount Arbuda, steadfastness is always required, for there the liṅga was established by Lord Śaṃbhu himself. Yet, due to another cause, accompanied by great anger, a vow was undertaken: “I must remain here upon this mountain, there is no doubt,” it was resolved. In the mind arose the form of Ganga as the Lord of the Mountain, but Gauri, proud and supreme, was unaware of this. A great means for union with Jahnavi was considered, and a certain intention arose—one bound to a vow concerning water. “There, I shall remain within the water, devoted to it,” was the resolve. The place, filled with clear, pure water, became a fine tirtha, bringing immense happiness. Under the pretext of a vow, the Lord of gods entered the waters at once. Meanwhile, Gauri, deep in meditation, was at that very moment united with Shiva, though she did not recognize him—such was the power of his vow and his knowledge of liberation. As he wandered there, observing his vow, someone beheld Mahadeva standing in the water and wondered, “What has changed in the face and eyes of this ascetic?” Through the vision granted by meditation, Maheshvara was seen absorbed in the Ganga. The tale of Hara’s actions was then recounted in full. Hearing of this, the goddess, filled with urgency, hastened to where Maheshvara was. Seeing her approach, anger flared within her. The sage Narada announced the meeting of the two to the goddess. Though exceedingly proud, the goddess could be soothed by gentle words; at such moments she became virtuous and approachable, so it was advised to seek her with conciliation. Thus addressed by Rudra, Jahnavi approached, modest and humble, her palms joined in reverence. She spoke: “Formerly, at your beloved’s command, I fell from the sky. Then, my affection for the one called Bhagiratha grew. Now, by your words, O queen of the gods, I understand.” Thus, the sacred events upon Mount Arbuda unfolded, revealing the glory of the tirtha, the power of vows, and the deep mysteries of the gods.