He gave the nectar, the treasured amṛta, to the hosts of the gods, and the radiant moon he offered to Śaṃbhu, Lord Shiva. These gifts he presented within the delightful Nandana, the celestial garden where Indra and the gods sport and rejoice. Another great treasure, Mahāpadma, was bestowed upon Kubera, finding its place in his abode. Wherever the influence of Mahāpadma spreads, it is said, all creatures are drawn to dissolution. From that time onward, the great Lord Shiva has been known as Nīlakaṇṭha, the Blue-Throated One. Those who are freed from all sins become possessors of all jewels, their virtues shining forth. Then, all the gods, led by Brahma and Vishnu, gathered these blessings and departed together. Arriving at Ujjayinī, we too became bearers of jewels, graced by fortune. Therefore, may Padma, the goddess of prosperity, ever dwell here, unmoving and constant. Those blessed souls who come to this place and perform bathing, giving, and worship—no evil deed, no poverty, and no misfortune can touch them. Whoever seeks wealth, children, knowledge, or harbors many desires, here attains all he wishes and becomes truly blessed. Those who listen to this sacred story, or recite it daily, are likewise graced. Thus ends the forty-fourth chapter, called 'The Description of the Story of Padmavati,' found in the section on the greatness of the Avanti region, in the fifth Avanti Khanda of the glorious Skanda Mahapurana. Now, Kumudvati was born at the very same time as the city of Padmavati. Once, during a holy pilgrimage, I journeyed to Kushasthali. By merely beholding this place, one is freed even from the great sin of killing a Brahmin. There, noble priests perform various sacrifices, and virtuous wives of sages serve with devotion. This sacred place is home to eleven Rudras and twelve radiant Suns. The eight guardian elephants of the directions stand watch, and fourteen Manus preside over the ages. Gandharvas, Apsaras, Kinnaras, Nagas, Rakshasas, Siddhas, and ascetic sages also dwell there, each adding to the place’s glory. Eight renowned Bhairavas and the four sons of the Wind are present among these divine hosts, as are fierce beings of great power. Daksha, the foremost among the Prajapatis, Diti, the mother of the gods, and the cows led by Surabhi are present, as are all stationary and moving beings. All the sacred places, rivers, and springs are gathered here. Seven cities, three villages, nine forests, and nine wastelands are found within its bounds, along with the four oceans and many kinds of jewels. Peaceful royal sages and Brahmins accomplished in the Vedas reside here, as do the Vedas, the Purāṇas, the Smṛtis, and myriad songs and musical compositions. By simply seeing her, I was freed from fever and became pure. I bathed in all the sacred waters, growing serene and composed. Having beheld Padmavati herself, pure and bestower of all boons, I found that here, there is no sorrow, no poverty, no ignorance, and no uncontrolled senses. All who dwell here are friends, mutually helpful and supportive. The land is adorned with delightful gardens, forests, and groves, shimmering with various jewels and beautiful golden vessels. Here, Śaṃkara always abides together with Umā, and the entire place shines with beams of moonlight. It is ever-blooming, dark-hued with the freshness of youth, radiant and full of life.