When the divine beings descended from heaven to earth, accompanied by their attendants, they were asked, “For what reason have you come from the celestial realms to this mortal world? Please, let this be revealed.” The gods replied with great reverence, “O Lord, without your presence, there is no happiness for us—not in the abode of the gods, nor on earth, nor even in the netherworlds. Grant us, O Lord of the universe, a place and a sacred site here, and an imperishable abode when dissolution comes.” The Lord, compassionate and all-knowing, responded, “O Lord of creatures, I grant you the abode you desire here. Your dwelling shall be to the north.” There, the mighty Mahākāla, blazing beneath as the soul of the universe, was established. For the sake of divine play, the city was created by the one who seeks the welfare of all beings. Because you both spoke of golden peaks, the first name given to this sacred place was Kanakaśṛṅga—Golden Peak. At that very spot, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara stood together, engaged in sacred recitation. Thus concludes the fortieth chapter, ‘The Account of the Golden Peak,’ in the section extolling the greatness of the Avantī region, from the fifth Avantya Book of the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. In the ancient age of Tatpuruṣa, the wise knowers of the Veda recall how the Creator fashioned the universe, bringing forth the gods, the Daityas, and the Dānavas. The gods and Dānavas, ever filled with rivalry, contended fiercely in battle. The Cāraṇas and Kinnaras, too, were caught in enmity, as were all beings—strong and weak alike—among men. Thus, through mutual strife, the world became boundless in conflict. Seeking refuge, a devotee turned to 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. A voice called out to Brahmā, “Meditate upon me properly, with the yoga of meditation, and behold me.” Hearing this, the Creator set aside his meditation and saw the Lord before him. With water for washing the feet, for sipping, and with a honey-offering, Brahmā worshipped Keśava. With devotion, Brahmā declared, “Except by you, O Viṣṇu, the world cannot endure. You are the sole ruler of this pure universe; there is no other. The gods, demons, gandharvas, yakṣas, and rākṣasas destroy one another, but you alone are able to protect them all. You are always the sustaining principle of this universe, moving and unmoving, the soul of all living beings. All this world is upheld by you; therefore, you are called Upendra. This universe is inhabited by you today, and the Creator’s abode is thus Vāsudeva. Because the world follows your army, you are remembered as Viśvasena. The three worlds have been conquered by you, O god; since the Creator is conquered by you, you are Jiṣṇu. You are the king of all, from the very beginning of existence; may your auspicious, unrivaled throne endure forever. You possess the discus named Sudarśana; thus, poets sing of you as the wielder of the discus. May there be steeds for your destruction of enemies, and, O Hṛṣīkeśa, elephants with excellent tusks. Be adorned with wondrous garments and excellent red garlands; become Bhīmasena. May true devotion to you always reside here, as it is for the devotees of Mukunda; therefore, be gracious to me.” Brahmā then said, “O Creator, show me that sacred circle of his, and the ever-liberated Sadāśiva, O Lord. Where I establish the world, let that place be firm.” With these words, Brahmā took a handful of sacred grass. Having reached higher ground, the Grandfather of all respectfully addressed Keśava, “You alone are Viṣṇu, always worshipped by the gods, remembered by the sages, and famed as Viṣṭaraśravā.” There, established upon the sacred grass, the Supreme Person was praised by the Creator. Then, the Creator—himself the Supreme Person—encompassed that place with a circuit measuring a yojana on all sides, sanctifying it for all time.