Listen, O noble one, to the sacred greatness of these holy places as revealed in the Skanda Purāṇa, for here, unwavering faith is the key to all blessings. It is said that whoever worships at the time of the full moon in the auspicious month of Kārtika, having lovingly fed brāhmaṇas with sweet food according to their means, and having offered worship at that revered footstep, attains the world of Brahma. Therefore, O best of men, this divine footstep must be worshipped with the utmost effort and devotion. A wondrous marvel is recounted here: in the Kṛta age, that footstep appeared in its full length and breadth; in the Tretā age, it shone with a red hue; in the Dvāpara age, it was tawny and smaller in size. Such is the mysterious manifestation of the holy mark through the ages. Long ago, this very footstep was brought by Brahmā himself to the sacred mountain of Arbuda. During the great sacrifice of sage Vasiṣṭha, Brahmā, the unmanifest-born, pledged, “I will worship at the time of twilight, with a concentrated mind.” At that moment, he set out towards Puṣkara. Yet, it was declared that without the presence of the Supreme God, even Brahmā could not attain success. Therefore, Vasiṣṭha appealed to Brahmā, “O Padmayoni, bring the Lord here to Tripuṣkara; O ocean of compassion, grant him Brahmahood in this sacrifice.” Thus addressed, Brahmā, the grandsire of the worlds, came to the three sacred waters known as Puṣkaras. From that time onward, these three holy reservoirs arose in Arbuda. There, on the full moon day in Kārttika, whoever worships with a concentrated mind at this holy place is greatly blessed. To the north of that site lies the excellent pool of Savitrī, sanctified by the presence of the goddess. Wherever a man bathes with devotion in these sacred waters, he attains lordship over celestial hosts. In ancient times, after slaying the demon Andhaka, the Bull-bannered Lord Śiva, along with his attendants, sanctified this region. Whoever performs rites here on the fourteenth day is especially graced. Within a cave nearby, a liṅga worshipped by perfected beings in ages past was established. Whatever desire a devotee cherishes while worshipping this liṅga, that desire is surely fulfilled. There is also a wondrous place known as the Unseparated Field, famed for bringing together those who are parted. It is said that by merely seeing this place, one is never separated from cherished desires. In ancient times, Śacī, afflicted by sorrow and separation, entered this forest. Yet, by the power of the place, Śatakratu (Indra) was reunited with her. Whether man or woman, any who are separated and come to this auspicious forest attain reunion, just as Śacī and Śatakratu did. The best of brāhmaṇas praise the giving of fruits and offerings here. Another holy tirtha established by the devoted king Dhundhumara is celebrated as Umāmaheśvara. Whoever worships the divine couple, Umā and Maheśvara, with devotion at this spot, receives their blessings. Moreover, whoever bathes in the sacred waters here, O king, is certainly endowed with brilliance. Even one who is deprived of fortune and radiance, or afflicted with foul odor, is purified and graced by the power of this tirtha. Thus, O listener, are the glories of these sacred places on Arbuda mountain as recounted in the Skanda Purāṇa, each a wellspring of divine merit for those who approach with faith and devotion.