All the rivers, oceans, lakes, and sacred groves throughout the world are pervaded by the presence of Viṣṇu, just as the sun, the moon, and all the luminaries shine by his power. Indeed, the entire universe is filled with Viṣṇu’s essence. Yet, when all things are drawn into himself at the end of time, the blessed Śaṅkara remains, abiding there in his own glory. The Veda is the very heart of all sacrifices, and compassion is the essence of true righteousness. Therefore, O best of gods, this land of the Kurus is supremely beneficial for those who seek merit. Even so, Kāśī is said to be ten times more potent than the Kurus, and Gayā is ten times greater than Kāśī. Countless eclipses and tens of thousands of planetary conjunctions occur, and a gift given at the waning of a hundred thousand moons is equal in merit to a thousand gifts offered at the two solstices. Thus, O gods, the city known as Kuśasthalī is especially sanctified and beneficial. All these holy places, O best of gods, shall indeed become imperishable. Yet know this: when your store of merit is exhausted, O gods, you are afflicted by the consequences. Therefore, you should go to these sacred places and perform bathing, giving, and other rites upon the earth to renew your merit. Having heard these words, which rose up into the sky, all the gods returned to the forest of Maheśvara. That forest was filled with people from all four castes, attended by sages and gandharvas. There, none were poor, dull, foolish, diseased, or envious. Instead, the people were generous, peaceful, virtuous, and free from old age and sickness. Men resided there with devoted wives, and the city shone with harmony. Beholding such a city, the gods were filled with supreme joy. It was always served by the virtuous and endowed with all sacred bathing places. Having gained merit and imperishable reward, the gods returned again to their own abodes. Those fortunate ones who perform bathing, giving, and worship in this city obtain great merit. Therefore, the wise should always strive with all effort to do these acts. In every age, this city is remembered as Avanti, renowned for its holiness. Having thus spoken, the gods departed to their supreme abode. Whoever recites this auspicious, divine, and meritorious tale—which removes sin—will be blessed: a man without a son will obtain a son, a poor man will acquire wealth, and one who gains merit will always be honored in the realm of Shiva. Now, hear attentively as I explain further. Tripura, the great demon, was always the lord of all the demon clans. In the heat of summer, he served fire; in the rainy season, he endured the tumult of clouds. He survived on fallen leaves and water, sometimes consuming only air, and lived without shelter. In this way, Tripura performed extremely difficult austerities for a thousand years. At last, the Creator appeared and said, “Choose, O best of demons, a boon you desire from me.” Thus addressed, the demon Tripura replied, “Grant me dominion over gods, celestial beings, gandharvas, spirits, serpents, and rakshasas…” But as soon as he had spoken, Brahma suddenly vanished from that place. From that time onward, the great demon Tripura began a vast slaughter of the gods. He settled himself in Tripura and other moving cities, going wherever he wished. With his mind corrupted, he committed violence among the gods by various means. In those places, no fire sacrifices were performed, nor was soma ever drunk. Thus unfolds the tale, O wise one, as spoken in the ancient scripture.