Just as we, along with you, are not false, O Four-faced One—so was the truth and sincerity of those assembled. At that moment, Brahmā, the Lord with four faces, beheld the young sage and his heart was gladdened. The delighted sages, filled with joy at his presence, gently took the boy and led him back toward their home. There, waiting anxiously, was his father, the eminent sage Mṛkaṇḍu. Overcome with grief and righteousness, Mṛkaṇḍu cried out, “Alas, my son, my son!” Bewildered and sorrowful, he lamented, “How has my child, without even performing the necessary rites, fallen under the sway of death?” In many ways, Mṛkaṇḍu expressed his anguish, his heart heavy with worry. But the boy, his heart now filled with joy, returned to his father. Seating his son on his lap, Mṛkaṇḍu asked him the reason for his long absence and about the wondrous boon of seeing Brahmā’s world, the realm of the lotus-born Lord. “For my sake, speak the truth,” Mṛkaṇḍu pleaded, “so that this mental anguish may subside. I will worship the Four-faced One in the same way as you have.” Hearing these nectar-like words from his son, the twice-born sage was deeply moved. Mārkaṇḍa then quickly set out for the delightful Arbuda mountain. In that sacred hermitage, during the auspicious month of Śrāvaṇa, O king, the full fruit of ancestral rites was certain to be obtained. Whoever, following the practice of the sages, satisfied the foremost Brāhmaṇas there, and whoever bathed with proper faith, would surely be blessed. Thereafter, O best of kings, one should proceed to the supreme linga that removes all sins. When this linga is touched, seen, or especially worshipped, every sin is washed away, and the devotee is honored in Shiva’s own realm. Thus concludes the chapter describing the glory of Uddalakeshvara. Nearby, there is a linga established by the Siddhas, which destroys all transgressions. Beside it lies a beautiful pond, filled with pure, clear water. Whatever desire a person contemplates while bathing there, O king, is fulfilled. Thus ends the account of the glory of Siddheshvara. Pulastya spoke of another sacred place: where once the diggajas, the mighty elephants of the directions, practiced austerity and purified their souls. Along with others who bear the weight of the earth, led by Airavata, they performed penance there. This is the holy Gaja Tirtha, and so ends its description. The fame of this place, Shri Devakha, was established by all the gods themselves. Whoever there performs the shraddha rite, especially on the new moon day, certainly delivers their ancestors—even those who have reached a most difficult state. Thus is told the glory of the origin of Shri Devakha. At Vyasa Tirtha, upon seeing the sacred presence, a mortal becomes intelligent, wise, and pure. Such is the power of this holy spot, and thus ends its description. There is yet another place, sanctified by the great-souled sage Gautama. Long ago, Gautama, supremely righteous, performed his devotions there. As he worshipped with unwavering devotion, the earth itself split open before him. In that very moment, a bodiless voice resounded, “Choose a boon, auspicious one, whatever is in your mind.” The sage replied, “If you, O Lord, are pleased, may your presence always be here.” The divine voice replied, “Whoever sees you with true devotion shall go to the world of Brahmā. O best of Brahmins, on the new moon, he shall attain the highest state.” Having spoken thus, the voice fell silent. It is said that one who bathes at that tirtha at once delivers his entire lineage. Thus, O King, are revealed the glories and powers of these sacred places as recounted in the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, each sanctified by the presence and blessings of gods, sages, and the fulfillment of righteous acts.