O King, what is the true value of life, of wealth, or even of sacred recitations, if their purpose is not understood? Consider, for even the smallest creatures—moths, insects, animals, birds, and deer—meet their end in that holy place, whether they are driven by desire or are free from it. Death comes to all, regardless of their intent. Yet, those who listen daily, with steadfast faith, to the narration of this Purāṇa, attain great merit. Therefore, with sincere effort, one should undertake a pilgrimage to such a sacred site. Thus concludes the sixty-third chapter, entitled “The Fruits of Hearing the Greatness of Arbuda,” from the Arbuda-khaṇḍa of the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Now, with reverence, we begin the Avanti-khaṇḍa, where the glory of the Avanti region is revealed. Salutations to Śrī Jagadambā! Vyāsa declared: Even the creators of beings, out of great fear of worldly existence, bow before that Lord who has entered the unmanifest and is realized by those whose minds are absorbed in deep meditation. Let us now recount, with devotion and care, those deeds and stories that inspire faith within the heart. The Lord spoke: Throughout the worlds, the sacred river Ganga flows, famed as the threefold path, sanctifying all who approach her. The goddess Yamuna, radiant daughter of the Sun, is renowned for her purifying power, cleansing all the worlds. The rivers Chandrabhaga, Vitasta, and the holy Narmada at Amarakantaka, too, are present and revered. The sacred places of Kedara, Pushkara, and Kayavarohana are included among the most blessed sites. And there, in Avanti, resides the mighty Mahakala, the divine fire that consumes all sin. This sacred place bestows both worldly enjoyment and ultimate liberation, washing away the stains of the Kali age. Whatever holy sites exist, whatever lingas are established, all are found here. O Great Goddess, I long to hear of them, for my curiosity is immense. This foremost field, this kṣetra, destroys every sin. Upon the abode of Mount Meru, there stands a peak adorned with radiant jewels—a wondrous sight, decorated with many-hued minerals and crowned by a pure crystal altar. Herds of deer and lions roam its slopes, and elephants gather in great numbers. Its grounds are strewn with flowers, shaded by groves of trees swaying in the wind. Vine-covered dwellings, pleasure gardens, and sanctuaries for accomplished sages and Vidyadharas grace the land. Within this supremely delightful forest, the entire landscape gleams with beauty. The sweet songs of celestial maidens echo through the air, accompanied by the resonant music of countless instruments. Pillars, shining like spotless mirrors, rise in their millions, and the Apsaras dance with exuberant grace, displaying their skill in the art of movement. Assemblies of sages gather here, attended by groups of devoted ascetics. In this holy place, the Lord of Speech himself was established, immersed in the worship of Shankara. From among the sages, Krishna Dvaipayana, the revered Vyāsa, arose, palms joined in reverence, his heart filled with devotion to Bhava. The greatness of Mahakala here dispels the delusion of all living beings. O Lord, tell us of the sanctity of Mahakala’s field. What blessings await those who dwell here? What is the fate of those who die in this place? How did this cremation ground come to be known as a sacred field, and in what manner? For what reason is it also called the seat of the Mothers? Reveal this as well. It is said: the dead are not born again here; thus, this place is called ‘barren.’ The cremation ground is especially dear to all beings for this reason. Ekāmra, Bhadrakāla, and the Karavīra forest; Bharata, Kedāra, and the divine, great abode of Rudra—all these are counted among the most sacred places. Thus is revealed the glory of Avanti and the sanctity of Mahakala, where liberation is assured, and all sins are destroyed.