Vyāsa, from this day forward, those who seek refuge in the sacred city of Ujjayinī are truly blessed. Within their bodies, no sin or trace of wrongdoing remains; all evil is washed away. In this holy city, seekers come to fulfill their deepest desires: those yearning for knowledge approach Lord Śiva, those wishing for wealth turn to the Lord of Wealth, those longing for children seek the Lord of Children, and those desiring happiness offer their prayers to the radiant Lord of the Sun. O most fortunate one, whoever dwells continually in Ujjayinī remains there for more than a hundred million aeons, blessed beyond measure. Even those who read or listen with devotion to this sacred story receive its immense merit. Now, Vyāsa, listen attentively to this tale of great virtue. Once, all the jewels of the world were lost because of the misdeeds of evil-minded beings. In response, all the gods and demons joined together and resolved to churn the ocean to recover what was lost. They used the mighty tortoise's back as a base, and from this grand churning, the precious jewels began to emerge. Yet, this event brought sorrow to both gods and demons, for the process was fraught with challenges and rivalry. However, the act of churning itself helped restrain the conflict that had arisen between them. At the ocean’s edge, various jewels lay scattered, waiting to be claimed. Urged on, the gods and demons churned the ocean quickly, for there was no time for hesitation. As the churning continued, the luminous jewel Kaustubha was obtained. Dhanvantari, the divine physician, then emerged from the ocean, followed by the radiant moon. Soon after appeared Uccaiḥśravā, the best of horses, the nectar of immortality, and the enchanting Rambhā. The conch Pāñcajanya came to rest in the hand of the enemy of Mura, and in this way, fourteen wondrous jewels were brought forth. Gathering together, the gods and demons consulted with one another about how to divide these treasures. Suddenly, a great commotion arose, and Nārada arrived once more. At this moment, Hari—assuming the bewildering form of a beautiful woman—approached. All present, their strength sapped, fell under the sway of desire’s arrows. With skillful dexterity, Hari gave the nectar to the gods, and, mingling among them, drank the supreme nectar himself. Because of his contact with the nectar, the demon Rāhu did not die at that time, though much blood flowed from his body. There, those who bathe and purify themselves, intent on beholding Rāhu, attain their heart’s desire and gain the merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows. After dividing the treasures, each became a possessor of jewels. The seven-mouthed horse born of the ocean was given to Sūrya, the Sun. The nectar was bestowed upon the hosts of gods, and the moon was presented to Śaṃbhu. All these treasures were displayed in the delightful Nandana, the garden of Indra’s celestial sport. The great treasure Mahāpadma found its place in the abode of Kubera, Lord of Wealth. Wherever this treasure spreads, all creatures are drawn toward dissolution. From that time onward, the great god has been known as Nīlakaṇṭha, the blue-throated one. Freed from all sins, one who partakes in these events becomes a possessor of all jewels. Thereafter, all the gods—led by Brahmā and Viṣṇu—took their treasures and departed. Arriving at Ujjayinī, we too became bearers of these jewels. Therefore, may Padma, the goddess of fortune, ever dwell here, unmoving and steadfast. Those blessed souls who perform bathing, charity, and worship in this sacred place receive untold merit and grace.