As the account of the sacred Arbuda region drew to a close, the glory of Jambū Tīrtha was fully revealed. Then, O King, let me tell you of Gaṅgādhara Tīrtha, the holy place where the river Gaṅgā—summoned by the Lord of gods—descended from the heavens. It was He, the Lord of the Mountain, who received her as she fell to earth. Whoever bathes there with focused mind, especially on the auspicious eighth day, attains great merit, for the site is sanctified by the very touch of Gaṅgā and the presence of the divine. There is yet another sacred spot, Gaṅgeśvara, self-manifested by Gaṅgā herself. Long ago, a conflict arose between Umā and Gaṅgā. In her longing, Gaṅgā came swiftly to the mountain when summoned, seeking the grace of Śambhu, the Lord worshipped by all. Upon seeing the beautiful encampment of Gaurī on the mountain, Gaṅgā, filled with unwavering devotion and faith, worshipped the great Lord Śiva. Pleased by her devotion, Śiva granted her a boon. Thus, this place became known in the world as Kaṭeśvara. Especially for women, this sacred place is revered. Any woman who, though freed by her husband, is troubled by the sorrow of a co-wife, yet remains blessed with sons and good fortune, and holds her husband dear as life itself—such a one, like Gaṅgā herself, receives a boon from the Lord when she worships here. It is said that the afflictions caused by co-wives are removed at this holy site, especially for women who come with faith. O King, let me now summarize the greatness of Arbuda. Even if described for hundreds of years, the tales composed by the great sages are worthy of being cherished at every step. Nowhere else is there a holy place, an accomplishment, or a tree like those found on the delightful Arbuda mountain. What, then, is the use of life, of wealth, or of recitations, if not devoted to such a sacred place? Even insects, moths, animals, birds, and deer who die there—whether with desire or without—are blessed. Whoever listens daily to this Purāṇa with faith gains great merit, and therefore, with all effort, one should undertake a pilgrimage to this holy mountain. With the Arbuda section complete, let us now offer salutations to Śrī Jagadambā and turn to the Avanti region. Thus begins the narration of Avanti’s greatness. Vyāsa declared: Even the creators of beings, out of deep fear of worldly existence, bow to that Lord who has entered the unmanifest, and who is realized by those whose minds are established in meditation. Let the deeds be recounted, O King, that inspire faith in the heart. The Lord spoke: In the worlds, the river Gaṅgā, famed as the threefold path, flows eternally. The goddess Yamunā, daughter of the sun, is renowned for purifying all the realms. There also are the rivers Chandrabhāgā, Vitastā, and the sacred Narmadā at Amarakantaka. Kedāra, Puṣkara, and Kayāvarohana are among the holy places present there. Most exalted among them is Śrī Mahākāla, the fire that consumes all sin. This sacred place grants both enjoyment and liberation, and destroys the stains of the Kali age. Whatever sacred sites exist, whatever liṅgas are found—these I long to hear about, for my curiosity is boundless. The foremost of all these fields, O great goddess, destroys every sin. At the abode of Mount Meru, there is a peak adorned with jewels, wondrously decorated with various minerals and a pure crystal altar. The area abounds with herds of deer and lions and is crowded with groups of elephants, making it a place of both majesty and sanctity.