He who follows these sacred observances attains ever-greater benefit—there can be no doubt about this. Thus, the holy Karabheśvara came to be celebrated throughout the world as the bestower of prosperity. Sanatkumāra continued: In those days, the gods themselves worshipped Vighnanātha, offering him sweet balls in devotion. Whoever worships Vighnanātha with a devoted heart finds that no obstacle ever arises in their path. It is prescribed that one should fast on the fourth day, having bathed especially in the sacred waters of the Śiprā river. Then, with water scented with red sandalwood and accompanied by the recitation of mantras, one should offer divine incense—fragrant and pleasing to the Lord who delights in sweet offerings. For such a devotee, disease, fear, and obstacles never arise at any time. When such a soul returns to the world, they are born as a ruler of the earth. Whoever worships with faith rejoices in the realm of Śiva. Furthermore, whoever beholds Jayeśvara, the god of gods and the great lord, or worships the Śiva liṅga at the gateway of Śiva, attains immense merit. Now, let me describe another sacred place—the supreme Mārkaṇḍeśvara. By beholding that divine Śaṃkara, one gains the fruit of the great Vājapeya sacrifice. Listen, Vyāsa, to the glory of this great place, the most excellent in that city. The Lord there fulfills the wishes of devotees and protects them as a father does his son. The goddess worshipped by Brahma and praised by the best of the gods—she existed even before Brahma, granting perfect accomplishments to those who worship her. Whoever, after bathing in the sacred Brahma lake, beholds Brahmeshvara Śiva, attains great merit. Now, let me tell you of another holy site—the supreme sacrificial pond, remembered as the pit created for sacrifice. Whoever bathes there becomes pure and, beholding Pashupati, is blessed with palaces of gold, jewels, pearls, and every pleasure the heart desires. A man who bathes in the pond of beauty becomes handsome, while one who bathes in the pond of love becomes pure, focused, and attains all desired pleasures; after death, he reaches Shiva’s abode. On the bright eighth day of the month of Ashadha, whoever keeps a vigil, or bathes in the elephant pond and worships the universal form, or bathes in the goat-scented pond and beholds Brahmeshvara Śiva—all these acts bring great blessings. Moreover, one who bathes at the Chakra tirtha and worships the lord of the chakra attains the world of Rudra, dwelling in a palace as desired. Purified like Soma, he delights in the world of Soma. At this point, Vyāsa inquired, “How did this come to be? I wish to hear the truth of it.” Sanatkumāra replied, “I will tell you truly how the linga of Someshvara came into existence. The god Soma, the blessed one, is the supreme nourisher of the world. In the holy land of Avanti, there lived the great and fortunate sage Atri, a treasury of austerity. With arms raised in devotion, he practiced severe penance, his mind fixed in meditation upon Brahman. From his eyes, a radiant effulgence poured forth, illuminating all ten directions. When the directions could no longer contain this brilliance, it spread and illumined all the worlds, finally falling upon the earth itself. The water that arose from Soma, O Vyāsa, came from this very radiance. Thus, the river Śiprā, like Soma himself, became renowned as the giver of all success. She is famed throughout the three worlds as the bestower of merit, even to those who have sinned.