Eager to learn the truth, the devotee respectfully asked, “Please, tell me honestly: how did the name Kuśasthalī come about, and why is this place also remembered as Avantī? O best of sages, what is the reason for these names?” The questioner recalled that in the ancient age of Gaurī, this very topic had once been explained to Vāmadeva by the blessed Maheśa and also by Vidhi, the Creator. It was said that those who dwell in this sacred place, moving freely as they wish, attain heaven. Longing to understand further, the devotee asked, “How is the mind restrained here, and where does it arise for those who reside in this holy land? Please, blessed one, reveal this for the welfare of all embodied beings.” Pleased by these sincere questions, Pitāmaha, the Grandfather of all, addressed the beloved of Pārvatī, saying, “O Eternal One, you ask me all these things as if you do not know, though in truth you are Mahākāla, and all is known to you. Indeed, mortals do not dwell in this place; those who reside here are surely gods, without doubt. There exists a city resplendent with delightful mansions and splendid palaces, their golden peaks constructed by Viśvakarman, the divine architect. “In a former age, I myself dwelled there, as did you, O Keśava. Divine sages, siddhas, yakṣas, kinnaras, and dānavas—all of them were present, along with the most beautiful women, exceedingly dear to the gods. When the great Lord arrived there with the gods, the palaces shone with golden spires, adorned with jewels and precious stones. There, in a magnificent, gem-studded palace, that Lord of the universe took up his residence. “Maheśa and I, Pitāmaha, rejoiced together with the Lord in that divine city. We asked, ‘For what reason have you come from heaven to earth, bringing your attendants? Tell us, for without you, O Lord, there is no happiness for us—neither 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 dissolution.’ “The Lord replied, ‘I grant you your desired abode here, O Lord of creatures; your dwelling shall be to the north.’ Thus, Mahākāla, blazing below as the soul of the universe, was established in this place. “For the sake of divine play, the city was created by the one who always seeks the welfare of all beings. Because you both spoke of golden peaks, the first name of this place is known as Kanakaśṛṅga—Golden Peak. Here, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara themselves stand, engaged in sacred recitation.” Thus concludes the fortieth chapter, “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. In the former age of Tatpuruṣa, the wise knowers of the Veda remember: the Creator fashioned the universe, bringing forth the Daityas and Dānavas. The gods and the Dānavas, ever rivals, were locked in constant battle. The Cāraṇas and Kinnaras, too, were caught in enmity, and both the strong and the weak among men were drawn into this endless contention, making the world seem boundless in its strife. In the midst of this, I seek refuge in Hari, the remover of distress for those who seek shelter. Then Hari, the great yogi who bears the form of the universe, was meditated upon. Brahmā was instructed, “Meditate upon me properly, with the yoga of meditation, and you shall see me.” Hearing this, the Creator abandoned all other thoughts and beheld the Supreme Lord.