Having remained for some time in that sacred region, the great Lord Śiva once more gazed upon the city before him. There, the god of gods, Maheśvara himself, is revered as Pattaneśvara, the Lord of the City. Vyāsa, it is said that anyone who approaches this place with devotion and properly worships Pattaneśvara will be greatly blessed. Such a devotee, after a life of piety, is carried in a celestial vehicle drawn by swans to the world of Śiva. This holy city is famed as Durdharṣa, renowned for freeing even those burdened with the terrible sin of brahminicide. The sacred site, situated on the riverbank, is further sanctified by the presence of the Sun and is known as a place of purification. On auspicious days—the seventh or eighth lunar day, or during the solar transition, especially on a Sunday—if one beholds Maheshvara established on the bank of the Shipra river, he uplifts not only himself but his entire lineage of ancestors and mothers, drawing them toward liberation as he approaches Śiva. The merit gained from such worship endures for as long as the sun and moon shine in the heavens. In ancient times, even Indra himself, suffering under a curse from Gautama, came to this place. Through severe austerities, he satisfied Śankara, and in gratitude, he gifted a thousand cows, earning the epithet “lord of cows.” Those who die here do not return to birth on earth. On the bright tenth day of the month of Jyeṣṭha, if one declares the fruits of his pilgrimage at the Ganga, he departs in a celestial chariot, rejoicing in heaven, and after enjoying all desired pleasures, he undoubtedly attains the heavenly realms. If a person dies here while offering fragrance, flowers, and food, he goes directly to Rudra’s city. Moreover, whoever beholds Ambalika with a mind disciplined in meditation is freed from all sins, just as a serpent sheds its old skin. Drinking water from the well at this place brings incomparable good fortune, and the devotee dwells in Śiva’s world as long as the reign of fourteen Indras endures. He even attains the exalted state of Ganapati—a state difficult for even the gods to achieve. Such a mortal does not descend to hell but is honored in the world of heaven. Long ago, Brahmā himself worshipped the elder Vināyaka here, offering fragrances, incense, foods, and delicacies. Hear further of the blessings: near the fresh river, the wise should also worship Pārvatī. After bathing in the Kāmodakā, a man is granted the vision of his desired beloved. And at Prayāga, after bathing, one beholds the Lord of Prayāga. By merely seeing the Lord, all diseases are removed. Now, listen as I tell you of the installation of Nara-Āditya. The divine Nara and Nārāyaṇa descended to earth, and those two dwelled in the world, resplendent and ever-growing in glory. They destroyed all the demons, beginning with Kaṃsa, in mighty battles. Having received powerful weapons as gifts from the heroic king of the gods, they faced the fierce Nivātakavacas, the evil-hearted dwellers of Hiraṇyapura. Arjuna, making a solemn vow, resolved to slay them. Having accomplished this most difficult task, Pārtha performed a deed of great renown. When his work was complete, Indra himself spoke to Arjuna, saying, “O Pārtha, choose the highest boon you desire in your heart.