Among all sacred places, this one stands supreme, surpassing all others in its power to increase merit. Vyāsa inquires: How many holy places are here, and how many liṅgas as well? In response, it is revealed that within the great forest of Mahākāla, the liṅgas are truly beyond counting. Whether one is born here with desires or without, every person benefits from the sanctity of this land. The holy places and temples in this region fulfill all wishes, and everywhere one turns are fields of spiritual accomplishment and merit. Whoever listens to these truths with deep devotion attains the highest spiritual state. The abode of the Lord, as described, stretches a yojana in every direction. Within this sacred expanse, mortals of virtuous conduct who die here attain exaltation. Even insects and moths that meet their end in this place reach the highest state. In light of this, a question arises: How did this place come to be known as Kuśasthalī, and also as Avantī? What is the reason for these names? This mystery, it is said, was once told to Vāmadeva in the ancient age of Gaurī, explained by the blessed Maheśa and by Vidhi (Brahmā) himself. Those who dwell here as they wish, moving freely, attain heaven. Yet, how is the mind restrained in such a place, and where does it arise for those who live here? This is asked for the welfare of all beings. The Lord, pleased, Pitāmaha (Brahmā), spoke to the beloved of Pārvatī, saying: “As if not knowing, O Eternal One, you ask me all these things. Indeed, you yourself are Mahākāla; all is known to you. Mortals do not truly dwell here—those who do are surely gods, without doubt. There exists a city of delightful and splendid mansions. Palaces with golden peaks were constructed by Viśvakarman, the divine architect. In ages past, I resided there, and so did you, Keśava (Viṣṇu). Divine sages, siddhas, yakṣas, kinnaras, dānavas—all were present. The best of women, beloved of the gods, were also there. When the great Lord arrived with the gods, he entered palaces adorned with golden spires, decorated with jewels and precious stones. There, in a splendid, divine palace encrusted with gems, he dwells. Maheśa (Śiva) and Pitāmaha, coming together, rejoiced with that Lord of the universe. They asked him: ‘For what reason have you come from heaven to earth, along with your attendants? Without you, O Lord, there is no happiness for us in the abode of the gods, nor on earth, nor even in the netherworld. Grant us, O Lord of the universe, a place and a sacred site here, and an imperishable abode at the time of dissolution.’ The Lord replied: ‘I grant your desired abode here, O Lord of creatures. Your dwelling shall be to the north.’ Thus, Mahākāla, blazing below, the Lord and soul of the universe, is established here. For the sake of divine play, the city was created by him who seeks the welfare of all beings. Because Brahmā and Viṣṇu spoke of golden peaks, the first name of the city is said to be Kanakaśṛṅga—Golden Peak. There, where Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara stand, engaged in sacred recitation, the glory of this place endures. Thus concludes the account of the Golden Peak, in the section on the greatness of the Avantī region, from the fifth Avantya Book of the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa.