Even in this very world, a person who worships the divine attains success and victory in all endeavors. By offering worship with gold, one is released from every sin, and such a devotee need not fear serpents, nor will poverty ever trouble him. Freed from the delusions woven by Viṣṇu’s māyā, he attains the highest spiritual state. Even the gravest of sins, such as the slaying of a Brahmin, are washed away by this worship. Simply beholding that god bestows the merit of a hundred sacrifices. Thus concludes the twentieth chapter, called “Description of the Pilgrimage to the Fourteen Holy Places,” in the section celebrating the greatness of the Avanti region, as told in the fifth book of the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Now, hear of a sacred place named Hanumatkeśvara, famed as the bestower of both worldly enjoyment and liberation. Whoever bathes in the Śaiva lake and then beholds Hanumatkeśvara is blessed indeed. Let me recount the ancient tale behind this holy site. Long ago, Viṣṇu, in the form of Rāma, struck down the wicked one in Laṅkā. After slaying that evil being, Rāma reclaimed Sītā, the daughter of Janaka. Having regained his kingdom and surrounded by sages, Rāma inquired about the might of two great beings: Śaṃbhu (Śiva) and the Wind-born (Hanumān). It was said that the god Maheśvara (Śiva) is unmatched in valor on the battlefield. Upon hearing this, Hanumān declared, “Among monkeys, I am his equal.” Inspired by this, Hanumān resolved to journey to Laṅkā and request a liṅga. He traveled there and approached Vibhīṣaṇa, the king of the Rākṣasas. Vibhīṣaṇa graciously replied, “Take this liṅga as you wish. Before conquering the three worlds, my noble brother Rāvaṇa gave it to me. I now give it to you, O monkey—this is the truth.” Hanumān accepted the liṅga, which shone with the luster of a pearl. As Hanumān prepared to depart, Vibhīṣaṇa explained, “It is said that, long ago, this liṅga belonged to the Lord of Wealth. When Rāvaṇa was bound, the Lord of Wealth, by the grace of this liṅga, became the protector of prosperity.” Carrying the sacred liṅga, Hanumān journeyed and, on the seventh day, reached the city of Avantikā. On the banks of Rudrasaras, Hanumān placed the liṅga and bathed. When he tried to lift it again, he found himself unable to do so. At that moment, the deity manifested and spoke to Hanumān, son of the wind: “Hanumatkeśvara will henceforth be renowned throughout the world. Whoever beholds Hanumatkeśvara Śiva, even once, will be free from the fear of thieves, poverty, or misfortune. All diseases will be destroyed, and planetary afflictions will not trouble him.” To worship here, one should anoint the liṅga with saffron and offer blue lotuses. Incense of black aloe, as well as sesame and rice grains, are fitting offerings. Wherever a person may die, Yama, the god of death, becomes as gentle as the ancestors to him. This sacred water is called Rudra’s Lake, celebrated throughout the three worlds. Having bathed in Rudra’s Lake and purified oneself, one should behold Koṭīśvara Śiva. If a śrāddha (ritual for ancestors) is performed here, the merit attained is immense—Vyāsa, know that the fruit is a crore-fold, without any doubt.