Let me share with you the sacred account as revealed in the Skanda Purāṇa, O wise listener. One should first worship the divine goddess, the mistress of yoga, who is venerated by both gods and demons alike. Her grace is profound, and her worship brings blessings beyond measure. Now, hear of the sacred waters: whoever bathes at the holy site of Śaṅkhāvarta is cleansed of all sins. Especially on the fourteenth day, it is prescribed that one should bathe in pure water with the intent of attaining liberation. Listen further as I describe another renowned pilgrimage place, celebrated throughout the three worlds. Long ago, in the Tretā Yuga, there lived a brahmin named Sunetra, O Vyāsa. By a curse from Yavakrīta, Sunetra was compelled to slay his own father, a deed that brought him great sorrow and the burden of sin. Seeking atonement, Sunetra bathed at the sacred place called Kiṃpunaka and journeyed on to the holy site of Dhārā. There, he lamented, “How has my sacred stream become fallen? How has my recitation become false?” In his anguish, he bathed again at that hallowed spot, and in response, he heard a celestial voice: “You are not afflicted by the sin of brahminicide; it has been destroyed by your bath at this sacred place.” Remaining there, Sunetra beheld once more the splendid city, where the god of gods, Maheśvara, is worshipped as Pattaneśvara. O Vyāsa, it is said that one who is devoted should always worship Maheśvara there with proper reverence. Such a devotee, upon leaving this world, ascends to the realm of Śiva in a swan-drawn chariot. This place is famed as Durdharṣa, the liberator from even the grave sin of brahminicide. It stands on the riverbank, renowned as purified by the Sun. On the seventh or eighth day of the lunar fortnight, or during the solar transition, especially on a Sunday, one should visit this sacred site. There, on the banks of the Shipra, beholding Maheshvara established in his glory, a devotee uplifts his entire lineage of ancestors and mothers. Approaching Shiva with devotion, the merit thus earned remains imperishable in the world, enduring as long as the sun and moon shine. In ancient times, even Indra was afflicted by a curse from sage Gautama at this very place. Long ago, he appeased Shankara through fierce austerities and, as an act of atonement, gave a thousand cows, earning the title “lord of cows.” Those who die here do not return to earthly birth. On the bright tenth day of the month of Jyeshtha, one should declare the fruits of their pilgrimage at the Ganga. Departing from this world in a celestial chariot, the soul delights in heaven, enjoying all desired pleasures and ascending without doubt. If one departs after offering fragrances, flowers, and food, he is escorted to the city of Rudra. Whoever beholds Ambalika here, with the discipline of meditation, is freed from all sins, just as a serpent sheds its old skin. By drinking water from the well at this site, one attains incomparable good fortune and dwells in Shiva’s world for as long as fourteen Indras reign. He may even attain the state of Ganapati, a position rare even among the gods. Such a mortal does not descend to hell but is honored in the world of heaven. In ancient times, the elder Vināyaka was worshipped here by Brahmā himself, with fragrances, incense, offerings, foods, and delicacies—the results of which are most auspicious. Near the fresh river, the wise should worship Pārvatī. After bathing in the Kāmodakā, a man is blessed to behold his desired beloved. And at Prayāga, after bathing, one beholds the Lord of Prayāga. By merely seeing him, all diseases are dispelled, and the devotee is freed from affliction. Such is the glory of these sacred places and the worship performed there, as revealed in the ancient scriptures.