Because my father, though an ascetic and a twice-born sage, was slain by kṣatriyas, I have resolved to offer water to him only after making the earth devoid of kṣatriyas. Therefore, it is said, one should diligently perform the sacred rites of śrāddha at that place in every possible way. Thus concludes the chapter called “The Glory of Rāmatīrtha” in the great Skanda Purāṇa. In that very region, owing to the negligence of a king, a crore of sacred fords—tīrthas—came into existence. But when the terrible age of Kali descends upon the earth, O King, there will be thirty million and a half million holy places, all teeming with living beings. Likewise, in Puṣkara and in Kurukṣetra, there are each a crore of tīrthas, all protected by the gods together with Indra. Whenever there is distress and fear, when the land is surrounded by the touch of mlecchas, then three crore tīrthas arise anew upon the earth. Therefore, one should make every effort to bathe in these sacred places. There, all acts—be it bathing, recitation, or offering oblations—performed in any manner, become especially meritorious. Thus ends the chapter called “The Description of the Power of Koṭitīrtha.” Now hear of a tīrtha that removes the sins of people, created by the lord of the night—the Moon. This holy place was promised, O King, at the time of the eclipse of the moon and the sun. At that time, the Moon, trembling with fear before the formidable demon, pierced the peak of a mountain and created an excellent opening. After a long passage of time, Maheśvara—Lord Shiva—was pleased with the Moon’s devotion. For the son of Siṃhikā, Rāhu, is powerful and naturally hard to subdue. Now, O best of gods, Rāhu had already consumed nectar. While the nectar was being drunk by the gods, who had previously been defeated, Rāhu too drank of it and thereby became free from death. Then a reconciliation was brokered by the gods, and Rāhu was established among the grahas, the celestial bodies. Yet, out of fear of Rāhu, the Moon pierced the peak of the mountain and sought refuge, praying: “Grant me your favor, O destroyer of desire.” Shiva replied, “Rāhu, given to anger, will surely seize you. When the eclipse draws near, you should perform rites of bathing, giving, and other sacred acts. By these, not even the slightest distress will befall you. When the eclipse occurs, by my word, the place known as Candrodbheda will become renowned throughout the world as a holy site. Whoever bathes here during the eclipse, or on the day sacred to Soma, or even beholds this place, will be blessed.” Having spoken thus, the blessed Lord Hara vanished from sight. Thus concludes the chapter called “The Description of the Glory of Candrodbheda Tīrtha.” Now, listen further: where Gauri herself performed her austerities—a place famed among people for its supreme virtue—merely seeing that spot frees a person from sin. Why is this place so wondrous and great? Even by hearing of it, one is freed from all sins. Long ago, when the gods, together with Indra, learned that Gauri was engaged in her penance, they deliberated among themselves: “If the seed of the three-eyed one, Shiva, falls in the field of Gauri, then, for the destruction of that offspring, we must act.” Thus resolved, the gods went together to Mount Kailāsa. Thus, the sacred narrative continues, revealing the power and glory of these holy places and the deeds of gods and sages.