In that exalted realm, mortals do not dwell; only gods abide there, without any doubt. Within this celestial domain stands a city resplendent with delightful and splendid mansions. The palaces, crowned with golden peaks, were crafted by the divine architect Viśvakarman himself. Long ago, in ages past, I dwelled in that city, and so did you, O Keśava. Alongside us, the divine sages, siddhas, yakṣas, kinnaras, and dānavas also resided there. The most illustrious women, exceedingly dear to the gods, graced that place as well. When the great Lord arrived in that city, accompanied by the gods, he entered palaces adorned with golden spires and encrusted with jewels and precious stones. There he took up residence, dwelling in a splendid, divine palace radiant with gems. At that time, Maheśa and Pitāmaha, coming together, rejoiced in the company of that Lord of the universe. They asked, “For what reason have you come from heaven down to earth, bringing your attendants with you? Please tell us. 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 when dissolution comes.” The Lord replied, “I grant you your desired abode here, O Lord of creatures; your dwelling shall be to the north.” There, blazing below, Mahākāla—the Lord, the very soul of the universe—was established. For the sake of divine play, the city was created by him who seeks the welfare of all beings. And because you both spoke of golden peaks, the city’s first name became Kanakaśṛṅga—Golden Peak. There, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara stand together, engaged in sacred recitation. Thus concludes the fortieth chapter, called “The Account of the Golden Peak,” in the section on the greatness of the Avantī region, in the fifth Avantya Book of the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. In the former age of Tatpuruṣa, the wise knowers of the Veda recall, the Creator fashioned the universe, along with the Daityas and Dānavas. The gods and the Dānavas, ever filled with rivalry, contended fiercely in battle. The Cāraṇas and the Kinnaras, too, were intent on enmity, as were all the strong and the weak among men. Thus, through mutual strife and opposition, this world became boundless and without clear limits. At this, I seek refuge in the god Hari, remover of the distress of those who seek his shelter. Then Hari, the great yogi who bears the form of the universe, was meditated upon. Brahmā, meditate upon me properly with the yoga of contemplation, and behold me. Hearing this command, the Creator abandoned his meditation and beheld Hari. With water for washing the feet, for sipping, and with an offering of honey, he honored Keśava. He declared, “Except by you, O Viṣṇu, the world cannot endure. You are the ruler of this pure universe; there is no other. The gods, demons, gandharvas, yakṣas, and rākṣasas destroy each other, but you alone are able to protect them. You are always the sustaining principle of this universe, moving and unmoving, the very soul of all living beings. “All this world is upheld by you; therefore you are called Upendra. Today, this universe is inhabited by you, and the abode of the creator is thus Vāsudeva. Because the world follows your army, you are remembered as Viśvasena. You have conquered the three worlds, O god; since you have conquered the creator, you are called Jiṣṇu. You are the king of all, beginning with existence itself; may your auspicious and unrivaled throne endure forever.