People from many regions, travelers and pilgrims, gathered together at a sacred place. There, each one engaged in righteous acts, performing great deeds of charity in every possible way. Among them were the Nāgas, the serpent beings, who approached the river Shipra, which was made entirely of nectar, their hearts overflowing with delight. All the foremost serpents, filled with devotion, followed the procedures prescribed in the Vedas. They brought garlands of unfading lotuses, along with various flowers and grains as offerings. With lamps, food, betel leaves, and gifts, the serpents, desiring the sweet nectar, began to recite praises. Their voices rose in reverence: “Salutations to you, O moon-crested one, O matted-haired, supreme Self! Salutations to you, O Three-eyed, O wearer of the crown of matted locks! Salutations to you, O wearer of skins, O Lord of the mountains, again and again! Salutations to you, O hunter, O devourer, again and again! Salutations to you, O witness of all, O creator of the hearts of all beings! Salutations to you, O divine laughter; and salutations to you, O one from whom nectar flows! Obeisance to you, fulfiller of desires, bestower of all desired boons! Salutations to the gracious one, the restrained one, the embodiment of peace!” Thus propitiated by the serpents, the blessed Lord Maheshvara, bearer of the bull-banner, was pleased. He spoke: “Long ago, I came constantly to the world of serpents, seeking alms. Hungering greatly, I wandered from house to house in Bhogavati. Failing to obtain alms, I would return again to a house, still seeking. By some merit, in the most excellent Mahakala forest, I was seen by all—young and old, with women—at the sacred river Shipra. The merit arising from bathing in Shipra cannot be adequately described. All the foremost serpents performed ablution in Shipra. Take the sacred water of Shipra and pour it into your pools. The pools will become full and enduring, O best of serpents.” Having bowed to Maheshvara, the serpents returned to their own world. O Vyasa, Shipra, born of nectar, is renowned in all the worlds. For those who partake of her waters, there is no evil deed, no calamity, nor misfortune. Nor do their friends suffer, nor disease, nor poverty; even by reciting or hearing this, one obtains the merit of a thousand cows. By merely hearing this tale, one attains the fruit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Shipra is everywhere meritorious, pure, and destroyer of sin. Nevertheless, Vyasa, listen as I recount in detail the origin of that event—a most auspicious and ancient tale, full of great merit. Long ago, there was born a mighty asura named Hiranyaksha, of immense strength. Having brought the entire earth under his control, he ruled over it. After conquering all the worlds, including the gods led by Indra, he himself assumed dominion over all beings in every world. The gods, deprived of their kingdoms and defeated, wandered like mortals cast down from power. In their distress, they went and, after offering their respects, reported the deeds of the daitya. By him, all the hosts of gods were nearly destroyed in that very instant. He consumed all the shares of the sacrifices, each one separately. Seeing the gods in such distress, their grandsire became troubled.