From the sage Marīci was born Kaśyapa, and through Kaśyapa, all things in creation found their place and order. In the most excellent Mahākāla forest, Nandana too was present, devotedly serving Mahākāla, the great Lord, with unwavering dedication. Within this sacred realm lies Bindu Lake, renowned as the supreme Mānasa Lake. Its waters are adorned with clusters of radiant pearls and gleam with the brilliance of countless jewels. Whatever divine wonders exist throughout the universe, their essence is reflected here, and by such union, humanity itself is established in this holy place. All beings mingle together, resembling the immortals in their splendor. The women here are as beautiful as celestial maidens, ever youthful and full of vigor. Gods, demons, gandharvas, kinnaras, serpents, and rākṣasas all reside here, forming the encampment of the immortals. Thus, Amarāvatī, the city of the gods, arose in this wondrous region. Those who perform sacred bathing, giving, and other rites are blessed to behold the great Lord and enjoy all pleasures. When their mortal journey ends, they are welcomed into the city of Śiva. Thus concludes the forty-sixth chapter, 'The Account of Amarāvatī,' in the section celebrating the glory of the Avantī region, from the fifth Avantī book of the grand Śrī Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Now, let us turn to Viśālā, a place renowned and sung of in all worlds. I shall recount what was spoken long ago by Brahmā himself. The god, united with Umā, wandered alone through the forest. There, Viṣṇu appeared in ten forms, accompanied by the goddesses, mothers of the worlds. Manifestations of the kalpas and the eighty-four forms of the liṅgas were present. The ancestors, guardians of the worlds, and siddhas who grant accomplishments gathered, along with kinnaras, divine gandharvas, and apsaras of exquisite beauty. Yakṣas, hosts of Guhyakas, piśācas, serpents, and rākṣasas—all came together to worship the god of gods, Śaṃkara, the consort of Umā and refuge of the world. They addressed him with gentle words: “Behold these greatly fortunate ones, absorbed in meditation, devoted to your praise. Let none be neglected, especially those afflicted by wind, rain, and heat. Provide, O Lord, a splendid place for their residence, as is fitting. This is my wish, if it pleases you: let a delightful city be established, enchanting to all beings, vast in extent by many yojanas, divine, and beloved by the celestials. May it be endowed with divine purpose and possess a charming, sacred location. Let it be filled with bustling markets, towers, and crossroads, constructed with walls of crystal and floors of beryl gems. Thresholds of red jewels, adorned doorposts, interiors and doorways made of precious gems and jewels—each house furnished with golden pillars, flags, and banners at every dwelling. Pools, wells, tanks, and lakes, all pure and clear, teeming with swans and cranes, beautified by flocks of peacocks. In some places, peacocks dance; in others, cuckoos sing. The city is filled with groups of men and women, honored by all the orders and stages of life. It shines with rows of archways, adorned like garlands of the moon. There, in this delightful city of Alakā, stands the splendid palace of Kubera, marking its glory.” Thus, the divine wish for a city of beauty and refuge was spoken, and the wondrous city of Alakā came to be, resplendent and beloved throughout all the worlds.