In those days, when darkness veiled the world, the sacred rites and invocations—svadhā, vaṣaṭ, and svāhā—were nowhere to be seen. The holy places and revered shrines lay unrevealed; all had been destroyed under the reign of a wicked king. Righteousness waned, and heretics arose, turning away from the path of dharma. Foreigners overran the land, bringing suffering and great affliction. The earth seemed utterly shrouded in gloom. At such times, O descendant of Bharata, when righteousness declines, the great Vishnu, ever self-mastered and all-knowing, takes form to restore balance. Perceiving the distress, he manifested as the mighty Boar—Varāha. His tusk shone like a sacrificial post, fragrant with the scent of oblations; his very body was composed of seeds, herbs, and plants, embodying the essence of sacrifice. Within his mouth radiated a celestial brilliance, and he was supremely generous. His breath itself was a sacrificial offering, his limbs the members of the sacred assembly. The vast expanse of the Vedas was his marsh, Brahma served as his officiating priest, and the forest was his abode. This primeval Lord, invoked and praised by many, endured great hardship and fought many battles. At last, with his radiant tusk, he lifted the earth from the depths. As he did so, auspicious winds began to blow, the sun shone with renewed splendor, rivers resumed their courses, and the oceans returned to their natural state. The blessed Boar form, bestower of all desired fruits, appeared in glory. From the very heart of Varāha sprang forth an eternal river—vast, abundant, and flowing as she pleased. Her waters shimmered, attended by Yakshas and Gandharvas, while Apsaras danced and great sages sang her praises. Amidst these divine beings and playful women, she became a place of joy and sport. At all times and in every season, this river granted success, accompanied by the Siddhas, to all who sought her. In the beautiful Mahākāla forest stood the delightful city of Padmāvatī. There, those who bathed in the river attained the eternal realm of Śiva. All the destruction of wicked demons was accomplished by Varāha, and the gods, led by Indra, stood with hands joined in reverence before him. They praised the Lord of gods, the Lord of the world, by whose merit heaven was restored. The Mahākāla forest was proclaimed a most sacred and secret holy place. There, the river Śiprā—born from Varāha’s own body—flowed, rich in waters. In this forest were found the holy sites of Puṣkara, Gayā, and the auspicious lake of Puruṣottama. Hearing these supreme words from the Lord of gods, the teacher of the world, the gods rejoiced. In the charming Mahākāla forest, where the excellent river Śiprā flows, the gods regained their celestial abodes by the power of that merit. Varāha also created a lake, radiant with energy equal to Viṣṇu’s own. Here, by bathing, drinking the water, and performing the prescribed śrāddha rites, all sins are washed away and one’s deepest wishes are fulfilled. In Avanti, at this beautiful holy site, the blessed waters remain upon the earth, ever granting the fruits of righteousness to those who seek them.