When the assembled kings had bathed in those sacred waters, a prophecy was made: “Then, your son will be born.” This assurance was reinforced by the very words of the sage Dālbhya, who recounted wondrous events. Inspired, the king journeyed to Gandhamādana, where he worshipped and pleased the great god Śaṃkara. There, Śaṃkara spoke: “Go to Avanti, O king; you will obtain a splendid son. Upon the land that glows like Meru, near me, those whom you request will always remain there, skilled and devoted.” Having thus spoken, the great god vanished from sight. The king then arrived at Kuśasthalī and beheld the vast oceans. In his heart, he longed for a son endowed with all auspicious marks. It was decreed that one should remain near the royal grounds for the required time. Again, assurance was given: “Your son will indeed possess all auspicious marks. On this blessed land, O king, we shall remain together, performing our duties with skill.” The king was then invited to hear of the meritorious results awaiting those who undertake pilgrimage to these sacred sites. “Vyāsa,” it was said, “one devoted to the ancestors should offer food at this place. Thereafter, Maṇḍaka cakes should be given to a Brahmin learned in the Vedas, as well as gold. With proper gifts and fruits, one should carefully offer arghya. Milk, too, should be given, filled in a copper vessel. At Ikṣvabdhau, fine jaggery must be offered to a Brahmin. By these acts, one attains auspicious fortune and delightful sons. Upon death, he ascends to heaven for a span as long as fourteen Indras’ reigns.” It was then told how the supreme tīrtha—sacred ford—was created by the playful god himself. The water with which the Lord of gods had washed the skull was poured out, sanctifying the land. On the eighth lunar day, under the Sun, a man should bathe in all directions and offer food with nine handfuls, as prescribed. Such acts bestow all good qualities upon one in this world and the next. Those who recite the glorious greatness of this place are especially blessed. With intent devotion, a sage praised the Sun, the god of gods. The lord of the day, satisfied, appeared and spoke to Śaṃkara: “Choose a boon, Lord of beings; I am the giver of boons, and I shall grant what you desire.” Śaṃkara replied: “May a portion of you remain here for the welfare of all embodied beings.” From Śaṃkara, the god of gods, arose the radiant form called Śaṃkara-Āditya, bestower of grace upon the worlds. “Blessed is this place,” it was declared, “where the destroyer of Tripura abides.” All the gods, led by Brahmā, were pleased and, assuming visible forms, descended splendidly upon the earth. For those who dwell in or visit this sacred place, no sorrow arises from old age, death, or grief; and from the sight of Śaṃkara-Āditya, there is freedom from disease, affliction, poverty, and separation from loved ones. Thus, in ancient times, this was proclaimed by the Lord of gods, the wielder of the trident. O best of sages, a supreme sacred ford was established there, bearing the god’s own name. And, once, at a certain time, Vyāsa himself came to this holy place to wash his skull-bowl, continuing the lineage of sanctity and devotion.