After offering heartfelt praises to the great god Maheśvara, the assembled beings beheld Śaṃkara himself standing before them. Filled with reverence, they bowed deeply. By the grace of Śambhu, even the fierce blood-eating ones were soothed; their hearts became calm and joyful. All these mighty beings, endowed with tremendous strength, took birth in the region of Avanti. There, in Avanti, they rejoiced, becoming destroyers of every sin. On the new moon day of the month of Śrāvaṇa, they would immerse themselves in meditation. In that sacred place, those who were childless found children, and seekers of wealth attained riches. Such was the blessing that one who performed these rites was honored in the world of the ancestors, riding in a chariot drawn by swans. Having spoken these words, the Lord of the gods departed for Mount Kailāsa. It was declared that anyone who listens with faith to the noble deeds of the leader of gods and demons would be blessed. Among all holy places, this one was supreme, increasing merit for all who came. Vyāsa inquired, “How many holy places and liṅgas are there here?” In the vast forest of Mahākāla, the number of liṅgas was beyond counting. Whether one arrived free of desire or seeking fulfillment, anyone born in that sacred land would find their wishes granted. The holy places and temples there were fields of accomplishment, bestowing merit everywhere. Those who listened with devotion to these tales would attain the highest state. The abode of the Lord was described, stretching a yojana in all directions. In this sacred place, mortals who died with virtuous conduct became exalted; even insects and moths who perished there attained the highest state. Vyāsa then asked, “Tell me truthfully, how did the name Kuśasthalī arise, and why is it also remembered as Avantī? O best of sages, explain the reason for these names.” This question, it was said, had been answered long ago to Vāmadeva, during the age of Gaurī. The blessed Maheśa and Vidhi had explained its cause. Those who dwelled there, moving as they wished, would attain heaven. Vyāsa further asked, “How is the mind restrained, and where does it arise for those who dwell there? O blessed one, tell me this for the welfare of all beings.” The Lord, pleased, Pitāmaha, turned to the beloved of Pārvatī and spoke: “As if not knowing, you, O Eternal One, ask me everything. Indeed, you yourself are Mahākāla; all is known by you. Mortals do not dwell there; those who reside are surely gods, without doubt. There exists a city with delightful and splendid mansions. Palaces with golden peaks were built by Viśvakarman. In the former age, I resided there, and so did you, O Keśava. Divine sages, siddhas, yakṣas, kinnaras, dānavas, and the most beloved women of the gods were all present. When the great Lord arrived there with the gods, he entered palaces adorned with golden spires, decorated with jewels and precious stones. There he dwelled in a splendid, divine palace adorned with gems. Maheśa and Pitāmaha, coming together, rejoiced with the Lord of the universe in that holy abode.