At the sacred confluence where the Shipra flows, devotees perform recitations, offer oblations into the fire, and conduct ancestral rites for the forefathers and the deities. At the dawn of each cosmic cycle, such seekers arrive and behold the great god Maheshvara. Weary from the dust of worldly existence, these men 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 every cycle and even at the close of a kalpa, the auspicious city remains unchanged. Those fortunate souls who cherish devotion for this place are truly blessed. Whoever hears this sacred and meritorious tale, which arises in every age, is uplifted. Thus, as it has manifested in each era, I have recounted it to you, O sinless one. The holy story of the Shipra, pure and a destroyer of sin, has now been described. The beautiful pond and the place that frees from ghosts have been narrated, along with all the sacred ponds and the supreme Gayā-tirtha. You have heard of the sacred place born from the confluence and the auspicious story of Shani’s birth. But how and by whom, and at what time, does the greatness of Purushottama manifest? When did this arise in the holy Mahakalavana? O dear one, know that there is no river on earth equal to the Shipra. The Shipra is born in Vaikuntha and is known as the destroyer of fever in the abode of the gods. In the Varaha Kalpa, it is even called ‘Vishnu’s body.’ Let me briefly recount the auspicious story of the Shipra. Mahadeva, pure in spirit, is present everywhere throughout 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 spoke repeatedly. Raising his hand, he placed his index finger upon it, and from that finger, a great stream of blood began to flow. At that very moment, the stream welled up and flowed forth together from there. Thus, in Vaikuntha, there immediately appeared a river that purifies the three worlds. It is said to destroy fever, and so I, Vyasa, declare it. In another age, the lord of the Daityas fought arrogantly and without restraint. Angered, Vasudeva swiftly took up his discus. The Daitya’s resolve was broken, his faults cut off, and wounded by sores, he became terrified and approached nearby. Vasudeva then cut off the thousand arms of the Daitya king in battle. As the Daitya stood unmoving, Maheshvara arrived at that very spot. There, the two great beings came together and engaged in a fierce battle. Krishna then prepared the Vaishnava weapon, intent on destroying Hara, while Shambhu also readied his own weapon, eager to take Krishna’s life. Krishna released his stupefying missile upon Shiva, who stood on the battlefield, yawning repeatedly for a short while. Overpowered by anger, Maheshvara then created the fever known as Maheshvara-fever. It had three eyes, three heads, was short, three-legged, and possessed a terrifying form.