In that sacred time and place, there arose the divine form known as Shankara-Aditya, who bestows grace upon all the worlds. Blessed indeed is this holy ground, for here abides the destroyer of Tripura, Lord Shiva himself. The gods, led by Brahma, were filled with delight at this wondrous presence. Assuming splendid, visible forms, they descended and graced the earth with their radiance. Within this sanctified realm, sorrow is banished: neither old age, nor death, nor grief can touch those who dwell here or behold Shankara-Aditya. No disease or affliction, no poverty or separation from loved ones arises in this place. Such is the decree made long ago by the Lord of the gods, Shiva, the wielder of the trident. O best of sages, know that here a supreme sacred ford was established, bearing the very name of the Lord. In ages past, at this holy site, the sage Vyāsa once came to wash his skull-bowl. After cleansing it, he placed it upon the ground at this unsurpassed tirtha, and instantly it became filled with the blood of Brahmā, signifying the mysterious sanctity of the place. Performing śrāddha and offering libations here brings inexhaustible merit. The greatest of sages gather here, reflecting upon their own lineages and honoring their ancestors with offerings of barley-cakes, milk-rice, or black millet with pulse. For twelve years, such offerings bring profound satisfaction to one’s parents, and the ancestors are gratified, their heavenly abodes rendered inexhaustible. This eternal merit was proclaimed by Brahmā, the self-born. Even the renowned holy cities of Vārāṇasī and Gayā do not bestow this same satisfaction. Whoever, with pure intent, performs śrāddha here for another—whether on the ninth or eighth day, on the new moon or full moon, for Brahmā, Indra, Rudra, the Sun, Fire, the gods, or the divine ancestors, for reptiles, groups of ancestors, or any beings abiding on earth—especially on the fifteenth day of the dark fortnight, brings satisfaction to the forefathers through these rites. The ancestors receive the merit earned by their descendants, and devotion in performing śrāddha ensures their gratification. Those who offer the oblation balls and conduct the rites with sincerity, having bathed in these sacred waters, obtain all their desired objects. Both mind and wealth are purified, and the time and procedure of the rites are always auspicious in this holy place. Indeed, bathing here grants the fruit of ten Aśvamedha sacrifices, the highest of Vedic rituals. This has been attested by Manu, the lord of men, by King Yayāti, by sages such as Atri, Bhṛgu, Vyāsa, and the wise Dattātreya. Simply by bathing in this sacred spot, one attains the merit of ten Aśvamedhas. By seeing and touching the deity, as previously described, this fruit is secured. Additionally, gifting a fine horse to a worthy brāhmaṇa here ensures that one is honored in the world of Śiva for thousands of years. Thus, concludes the seventeenth chapter of the Avantya section in the glorious Skanda Purāṇa, describing the greatness of the field of Avantī and the supreme merit of the ten Aśvamedhas. Furthermore, by performing worship here according to the prescribed method, one attains the fruits of all accomplishments. All supernatural powers—such as aṇimā, the perfections of magical pills and ointments—are granted when the deity is satisfied. Of this, there can be no doubt.