In that sacred region, there dwell the eleven Rudras, fierce and resplendent, alongside the twelve radiant Suns. The eight mighty guardian elephants watch over the directions, and the fourteen Manus, progenitors of humanity, hold their stations. There, too, are the Gandharvas, masters of celestial music, the graceful Apsaras, the mystical Kinnaras, the serpentine Nagas, the formidable Rakshasas, the accomplished Siddhas, and devoted ascetics—all present in their glory, dear one. Eight renowned Bhairavas, embodiments of Śiva’s fierce aspect, reside there, as do the four noble sons of the Wind. Thus are gathered both divine hosts and formidable beings. Among them is Daksha, foremost among the Prajapatis; Diti, mother of the gods; the sacred cows led by Surabhi; and all creatures, both stationary and moving. All the holy places are found there—rivers, springs, and sacred waters. Seven illustrious cities, three villages, nine forests, and nine wastelands are present within this domain. The four oceans encircle it, and it is adorned with many kinds of jewels. There dwell peaceful royal sages and Brahmins well-versed in the Vedas. The Vedas themselves, along with the Purāṇas, Smṛtis, songs, and musical compositions, are all manifest in this place. By merely beholding her—Padmavati, pure and bestower of all desired boons—I was freed from fever and became pure. Bathing in the sacred waters there, I emerged tranquil and composed. In that place, sorrow does not exist, nor poverty, ignorance, or uncontrolled senses. All beings are mutual friends, ever helpful to one another. Delightful gardens, forests, and groves flourish there, adorned with various jewels and beautiful golden vessels. This is the abode where Śaṃkara, Lord Śiva, ever dwells with Umā. The entire region shines with beams of moonlight, always blooming, dark-hued, and forever youthful in appearance. Within the mountain caves and the depths of the caverns, in the charming household ponds and throughout rows of splendid halls, beauty abounds. The lakes, adorned with ever-blooming kumudvatī flowers, shine brilliantly. Rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, and marshes are all present, and in every season, the kumudvatī flowers remain in bloom. Those who, with focused mind, perform śrāddha—ancestral offerings—on the kumudvatī flowers here, attain imperishable merit; the offerings to the ancestors become inexhaustible. Indeed, whatever act is performed in this place becomes inexhaustible and everlasting. Thus concludes the forty-fifth chapter, “The Account of the Glory of Kumudvatī,” from the section on the greatness of the Avantī region in the fifth book of the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Now, O blessed Vyāsa, listen to how Brahmā spoke to the gods. I shall recount to you, O treasure of austerity, the tale in detail. Mārīca Kaśyapa performed severe austerities, of the highest difficulty. Sustained only by fallen leaves and air, subsisting on wind, and having mastered his senses, he shone with spiritual power. Hear, O best of the twice-born, these unsurpassed words: “From you, O dear one, will arise a lineage that endures as long as the moon and sun. Your virtuous wife Aditi, practicing austerity alongside you, will bear sons—headed by Viṣṇu and including Indra. And you, best of seers, will become a sinless progenitor.” Having spoken thus, the goddess vanished on the spot. Thereafter, Kaśyapa, together with Dakṣa’s daughter and with the sacred fire, took refuge in that holy place.