Assuming a wondrous and bewildering form, Hari, the Lord, took on the appearance of a woman and approached the assembled beings. So enchanting was this form that all those present, their limbs weakened and minds overcome, fell under the sway of desire’s arrows. In this guise, Hari skillfully distributed the nectar of immortality to the gods. Entering among them, he himself partook of the supreme nectar. Yet, among the asuras, Rāhu managed to taste the nectar. Because of this contact, death did not immediately claim him. However, from Rāhu’s body, much blood flowed forth. In that sacred place, those who bathe and purify themselves, with minds intent on beholding Rāhu, are said to attain their heart’s desire and gain merit equivalent to gifting a thousand cows. After the nectar was divided, all present became possessors of dazzling jewels. The horse with seven mouths, which had emerged from the ocean, was given to Sūrya, the Sun. The nectar itself was bestowed upon the hosts of gods, while the radiant moon was presented to Śaṃbhu, Lord Shiva. These treasures were offered in the delightful Nandana garden, Indra’s celestial playground. The great treasure Mahāpadma was sent to Kubera’s abode, the god of wealth. Wherever Mahāpadma’s influence spreads, it is said, creatures are drawn toward dissolution. From that time, the great god Śiva has been known as Nīlakaṇṭha, the Blue-Throated One. Those who participate in these sacred events are freed from all sins and become possessors of all jewels. Then, all the gods, led by Brahma and Vishnu, gathered their treasures and departed. Upon arriving at Ujjayini, we too became adorned with jewels. Therefore, may Padma, the radiant goddess, ever dwell here in this sacred place, unmoving. Those blessed souls who bathe, give, and worship here are untouched by evil deeds, poverty, or misfortune. Whoever seeks wealth, children, wisdom, or fulfillment of many desires will attain their wishes and become truly blessed. Those who listen to this holy story, or recite it daily, are likewise sanctified. Thus ends the forty-fourth chapter, called “The Description of the Story of Padmavati,” found in the section extolling the greatness of the Avanti region, within the fifth Avanti Khanda of the glorious Skanda Mahapurana. Now, Kumudvati was born at the same time as the city of Padmavati. Once, during a sacred pilgrimage, I journeyed to Kushasthali. Merely seeing this holy place frees one from even the sin of killing a Brahmin. There, noble priests perform various sacrifices, and the virtuous wives of sages offer their service. It is said that in that place dwell eleven Rudras and twelve Suns, along with the eight guardian elephants of the directions and fourteen Manus. Gandharvas, Apsaras, Kinnaras, Nagas, Rakshasas, Siddhas, and ascetics are present there as well. Eight renowned Bhairavas reside there, as do the four sons of the Wind. These hosts of divine and fierce beings have been described: Daksha, the foremost of the Prajapatis; Diti, mother of the gods; Surabhi, leader of the cows; and all beings, both stationary and moving. All the sacred places, holy rivers, and springs are found there, along with seven cities, three villages, nine forests, and nine wastelands. The four oceans, a variety of jewels, peaceful royal sages, and Brahmins accomplished in the Vedas are also present. In that sacred land, the Vedas, the Purāṇas, the Smṛtis, songs, and musical compositions all reside, making it a place of supreme sanctity and blessing.