O best of the twice-born, listen as I recount the grand cycles of time. When a thousand ages are completed, and the seventy ages with all their fractions have been fully counted, then the reigns of the fourteen Manus—those illustrious enhancers of fame—are brought to a close. These Manus, O Vyāsa, are celebrated as the lords of creatures, their blessedness renowned throughout creation. In the intervals between the reigns of each Manu, dissolutions occur—periods when the world is drawn back into the unmanifest. At the end of each dissolution, a new creation arises. Yet, O Vyāsa, the number of such dissolutions and creations is so vast that even hundreds of years would not suffice to recount them all. Thus, the emanation of beings and their dissolution continues, O Bhārata, in a cycle where all the gods and the seven sages dwell together. When a thousand such ages are complete, this is known as a full kalpa. At the beginning of each kalpa, Brahmā stands at the forefront, accompanied by the hosts of Ādityas. He is the creator of all beings, and at the end of every kalpa, he brings forth creation again and again. He alone persists, united with the great lords, even as the cycles of creation and dissolution unfold. Yet, O Vyāsa, know that dissolution does not affect those who reside in the excellent forest of Mahākāla. There, they are free from disease and distress, unchanging through every age. In this delightful forest, Brahmā, the grandsire of the worlds, abides along with Marīci, Kaśyapa, Rudra, Bhṛgu, and others. Thus, O Vyāsa, at the beginning of each kalpa, the order of creation is established in this way. The distinctions between kalpas have been described, all within the auspicious forest of Mahākāla. Many signs of yoga remain in this sacred forest, and again and again, this city comes into being, for it is said to be immovable—a steadfast presence through the cycles. This city, O Vyāsa, will be known on earth as 'Pratikalpa.' Here, recitation, offerings into the sacred fire, and rites for ancestors and deities are performed. At the start of every new cycle, having arrived and beheld the great god Maheshvara, people—wearied by the dust of worldly existence—enter the purifying waters of the Shipra. The merit gained by dwelling in Kashi for a thousand manvantaras is immense, yet at the end of each cycle and each kalpa, this auspicious city remains unchanged. Those fortunate souls who hold devotion for this place are truly blessed. Whoever hears this sacred and meritorious story, which arises anew in each cycle, is likewise blessed. As it was born in every age, so have I described it to you, O sinless one. I have also told you the holy story of the Shipra—a pure tale that destroys sin. The beautiful pond has been described, as well as the place that frees from ghosts, and all the sacred ponds, including the supreme Gayā-tīrtha. The sacred place born of the confluence has been recounted, along with the auspicious story of Shani’s birth. You may wonder, O dear one, how and by whom, and at what time, does the greatness of Purushottama manifest? When did it arise in the auspicious Mahākālavana? Know this: there is no river on earth equal to the Shipra. Born in Vaikuntha and a destroyer of fever in the abode of the gods, the Shipra is most sacred. In the Varaha Kalpa, it is called 'Vishnu’s body.' You have asked for the auspicious story of Shipra to be told in brief. Know that Mahadeva, pure in spirit, is present everywhere in all the worlds. Once, the mighty one, seeking alms but not yet having received any, went to Vaikuntha. Thus, O Vyāsa, have I recounted the eternal cycles, the sacred places, and the holy river Shipra, as they have unfolded through the ages, all rooted in the blessed forest of Mahākāla.