In that sacred place, a wondrous gathering assembled: the Kinnaras, the celestial musicians; the radiant Gandharvas; and the Apsaras, whose beauty was beyond compare. Alongside them came the Yakṣas, the mysterious Guhyakas, the Piśācas, the serpents, and the mighty Rākṣasas. All these diverse and divine beings came together in reverence, offering worship to the supreme Lord of Lords, Śaṃkara, the beloved consort of Umā. With gentle words, they addressed Śiva, the refuge of the entire world. They drew Śaṃkara’s attention to the fortunate ones among them, those absorbed in deep meditation and unwavering devotion to his praise. With compassion, they urged, “Let none of these, who suffer from the harshness of wind, rain, and heat, be neglected. Grant them, O Lord, a splendid place to dwell, suited to their worthiness.” With this earnest plea they continued, “If it pleases you, O Lord, let there be established a delightful city, enchanting to all beings. Let it be vast, stretching across many yojanas, divine in its nature, and beloved by the denizens of heaven. May it be endowed with celestial intentions and situated in a charming, divine location. Let it be filled with bustling markets, grand towers, and busy crossroads. May its walls be fashioned from gleaming crystal, its floors from precious beryl gems, and its thresholds from radiant red jewels, adorned with splendid doorposts. Within, let the interiors and doorways be made of the most precious gems and jewels, and let every house be furnished with golden pillars, flags, and banners fluttering atop every dwelling.” Their vision continued to unfold: “Let there be pools, wells, tanks, and lakes, all pure and clear, inhabited by swans and cranes, and beautified by flocks of peacocks. In some places, let peacocks dance in joy; in others, let cuckoos fill the air with melodious song. Let the city be alive with groups of men and women, honored by all the orders and stages of life. May it shine with rows of archways, adorned like garlands of the moon.” Within this city, they envisioned the presence of other renowned abodes: the delightful city of Alakā, marked by the palace of Kubera; the divine city of Bhogavatī, the excellent dwelling of Varuṇa; the foremost city of Saṃyamanī, governed by Dharmarāja; and the beautiful city of the gods, protected by Vāsava. Indeed, many such splendid cities would exist, even more wondrous than these. In some quarters, the gates would be shaped like plantain trees, with auspicious jars of barley sprouts set before them. Elsewhere, young twice-born boys would be engaged in Vedic study, reciting sacred hymns. In some places, people would bathe after sacrifices; in others, they would be engaged in the giving of gifts. Some would plant groves or construct edifices, while others would prepare for pilgrimages to holy places. There would be those who praised the topics of stories and discussions, and in other parts, wrestlers would compete, while actors became absorbed in dramatic performances. The city would also be enlivened by playful young girls, dark-complexioned and in the bloom of youth at sixteen years. Thus, O Vyāsa, by the wondrous power of Yoga-māyā, this delightful city came into being. It was vast, expansive, holy, and a true refuge for the virtuous. This beautiful and eternal city became known as Viśālā. It is said that one who always utters the name ‘Viśālā’ is honored in the realm of Śiva. Viśālā, and another like her, grant both the joys of worldly enjoyment and the blessing of liberation to people. Their merit is inexhaustible—so it is sung in the rites for the ancestors. Wherever such a devotee may go, when their time comes, they attain the abode of Śiva. The fruits gained in Viśālā are eternal, their greatness beyond description. There is no doubt that even the gravest sins, born of evil, are washed away there. Thus, O Vyāsa, the city was established: Viśālā and Kuśasthalī, radiant abodes of blessing and liberation.