Vyāsa listened intently as the sage continued his narration of the mysteries of Mahākāla’s sacred forest. “He alone exists, Vyāsa,” the sage declared, “united with the great lords. In that excellent forest of Mahākāla, dissolution itself does not touch those who dwell there. Free from disease, free from distress, and unchanging through every age, they abide in peace.” “In this very delightful forest, the grandsire Brahmā himself resides, along with Marīci, Kaśyapa, Rudra, Bhṛgu, and other illustrious beings. In the beginning, Vyāsa, the kalpa—the cosmic cycle—is established in this way. The distinctions of the kalpas, their beginnings and ends, have all been described in this auspicious Mahākāla forest.” “Within this forest, so many signs of yoga remain, O noble one. Again and again, this city is said to come into being, yet it is called immovable. Vyāsa, this city will be renowned on earth as ‘Pratikalpa.’ Here, recitations, offerings into the sacred fire, and ancestral rites for forefathers and deities are performed. At the start of each cycle, those who arrive and behold the great god Maheshvara are blessed.” “Men, weary and worn by the dust of worldly life, enter the purifying waters of the Shipra river. The merit gained by dwelling in Kashi for a thousand manvantaras can be attained here. At the end of every cycle, and at the end of each kalpa, this auspicious city remains unchanged. Fortunate indeed are those who feel devotion for this place, Vyāsa. Whoever hears this auspicious and meritorious story, which arises in every cycle, is blessed.” “As it was born in each age, so have I recounted it to you, O sinless one. The holy story of the Shipra, pure and destroyer of sin, has been told. The beautiful pond, the place that frees from ghosts, all the sacred ponds, and the supreme Gayā-tirtha—I have described them all. The sacred place born from the confluence of rivers, and the auspicious story of Shani’s birth, too, have been revealed.” “You ask, Vyāsa, how and by whom, and at what time, does the greatness of Purushottama manifest? When and how did it arise in the auspicious Mahākāla forest? O dear one, there is no river on earth equal to the Shipra. The Shipra is born in Vaikuntha, the celestial abode, and is known as the destroyer of fever among the gods. In the Varaha Kalpa, it is even called ‘Vishnu’s body.’ You wish to hear, in brief, the auspicious story of Shipra, and I shall recount it.” “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. Angry and hungry for many days, intent on defying the world, he took a skull in his hand and repeatedly called out. Having spoken thus, he raised his hand and placed his index finger upon it. Then, from that finger, a great stream of blood began to flow. In that moment, the stream welled up and flowed forth from there. In Vaikuntha itself, a river appeared immediately—a river that purifies the three worlds. As it is said to destroy fever, so I, Vyāsa, declare it.” “In another time, the lord of the Daityas fought, mocking and unrestrained. Then, angered, Vasudeva swiftly took up his discus. At that moment, the Daitya’s resolve was broken, his faults cut off, and he was wounded by sores.” Thus, the sage revealed to Vyāsa the glories of Mahākāla’s forest, the Shipra river, and the city that endures through all cycles, sanctified by the presence of the great gods and the merit of countless sacred acts.