In the sacred region of Avantī, there arose the encampment of the immortals, and thus Amarāvatī came into being—a city of divine splendor. Here, after performing the holy rites of bathing, giving, and other observances, one is granted the vision of the great Lord himself. In this place, all enjoyments may be attained, and when one departs from this world, the soul journeys to the city of Śiva. Thus concludes the forty-sixth chapter, 'The Account of Amarāvatī,' from the section on the glory of the Avantī region in the fifth book of the vast Śrī Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Now begins the account of Viśālā, a city celebrated and sung of throughout all the worlds. Let us hear what was once declared by Brahmā himself. The god, united with Umā, wandered alone through the forest. There, Viṣṇu appeared in ten forms, accompanied by the goddesses—the mothers of the worlds. The manifestations of the kalpas and the liṅgas numbered eighty-four. The ancestors, the guardians of the worlds, and the siddhas who grant accomplishments were all present. Kinnaras, divine Gandharvas, and Apsaras of exquisite beauty gathered, along with Yakṣas, hosts of Guhyakas, Piśācas, serpents, and Rākṣasas. All these celestial beings worshipped the god of gods, consort of Umā, addressing Śaṃkara, the refuge of the world, with gentle words: "Behold these greatly fortunate ones, absorbed in meditation, devoted to your praise. Let none be neglected, O Lord, especially those afflicted by wind, rain, and heat. Provide, as appropriate, a most splendid place for their residence." This was their wish: "Let a delightful city be established, enchanting to all beings, vast in extent by many yojanas, divine, and beloved by celestial beings. Let it be endowed with divine intentions and possess a charming, divine location. Let it be filled with markets for buying and selling, towers, and crossroads. Construct its walls of crystal and its floors of beryl gems. Let the thresholds be fashioned from red jewels, adorned with beautiful doorposts. May the interiors and doorways shine with precious gems and jewels. Furnish each house with golden pillars, flags, and banners at every dwelling. Let there be pools, wells, tanks, and lakes, all pure and clear, filled with swans and cranes, and beautified by flocks of peacocks. In some places, peacocks dance; in others, cuckoos sing. Let it be filled with groups of men and women, and honored by all the orders and stages of life. Let it shine with rows of archways adorned like garlands of the moon." Within this wondrous city, there is the delightful Alakā, marked by the palace of Kubera. There stands the divine city of Bhogavatī, the excellent abode of Varuṇa. There is the foremost city of Saṃyamanī, governed by Dharmarāja. There is the beautiful city of the gods, protected by Vāsava. Many such splendid cities exist, even more than these. In some places, the gates are fashioned in the form of plantain trees, and auspicious jars of barley sprouts are set out. Elsewhere, young twice-born boys recite, engaged in Vedic study. In some places, people have bathed after sacrifices; in others, they are giving gifts. Some are engaged in planting groves or constructing works; elsewhere, some are preparing for pilgrimages. In some places, speakers praise the topics of stories and discussions. In some places, wrestlers compete; elsewhere, actors are absorbed in drama. Such is the glory and wonder of the divine cities, where the gods and all celestial beings dwell, and where all auspicious activities and celebrations flourish.