Upon the sacred earth, there flows the Śiprā, the best of rivers, renowned for its purifying power. To this holy river, one is urged—especially those seeking purification—to journey without delay. Hearing this call, a blessed and virtuous lady made her way to the auspicious Mahākālavana, the great forest of Mahākāla. Within the northern reaches of the Vindhya mountains lies the excellent hermitage of Añjanā. This place is cherished by all devoted wives and by husbands who uphold the vow of celibacy. The hermitage is graced with lakes blooming with radiant lotuses and alive with the melodious songs of intoxicated bees. It is a place of great charm, merit, and purity, said to destroy all sin. Upon her arrival, the lady was immediately transformed—she became clothed in pure white garments, all her sins and impurities vanished, and she became auspicious and radiant. There, she established an ashram, a hermitage that became a source of profound joy and peace for the mind. O Vyasa, it is here that the holy place known as Nilaganga is found, a tirtha famed for its power to destroy sin. There is no doubt—one who comes here and performs the proper rites will achieve great success. On the new moon day, it is prescribed to perform the great ancestral rite, the śrāddha, in honor of the forefathers. Even those ancestors of one’s lineage who may dwell in hell are remembered here. After bathing, one should offer a handful of sesame seeds to the ancestors, focusing the mind upon them with devotion. The śrāddha is performed with milk-rice, and seven Brahmins are to be fed in accordance with tradition. O Vyasa, listen further—there is another holy place, even more meritorious, which I shall describe. This tirtha removes all sins, bestows virtue, and grants the fulfillment of all desires. At this place, all milk offered is as if it gives life to all beings. After bathing in the pond, one should drink milk and donate a milch cow. By performing these acts, one is reborn at all times, and upon death, attains the city of heaven. With a mind cleansed of all sin, one gains the fruit of Puṣkara, the highest spiritual reward. Thus concludes the fifty-fourth chapter of the sacred Skanda Purana, in its fifth Avantya section, which extols the greatness of the Avanti region and describes the sanctity of Nilaganga. Now, O Vyasa, you may wonder: in the delightful Mahakala forest, by whom and for what reason was he formerly sent? At that time, the illustrious sage Agastya, together with all the gods, worshipped the glorious Lord for the protection of the earth. With a mind focused in deep devotion, Agastya worshipped Bhavani, the goddess who dwells upon the Vindhya mountains. This is she who causes the flight of Kamsa and brings destruction to the demons; she who was born from the womb of Yashoda and crushed the strength of Chanura; she who is the mother of Devasena and the sovereign of the speech of poets; she who became a thousand-eyed one for Indra and is the supreme Arundhati for the sage; Aditi among mothers, Parvati among women, the best who wanders in Vrindavana during the autumn; Lakshmi, beloved of the fortunate, the Yakshini honored by Kubera; she who is the altar in sacrificial halls, the auspicious fire of oblation, the gift for all initiations, the bestower of all desired fruits. Thus praised and worshipped, the goddess, dweller on Vindhya, appeared directly before the sage and said, "O best of the twice-born, ask of me whatever you desire." Agastya spoke: "This Reva, the river, has grown in the world and brings fear to all beings. By her, the universe is inundated. Please, take hold of her." Then, O Vyasa, that virtuous lady came to the auspicious Mahakala forest. With resolve, she declared, "O sage, I will swiftly restrain the supreme goddess who is increasing." Thus, the sacred narrative unfolds, revealing the power of holy places, the compassion of the gods, and the blessings bestowed upon those who seek purification and merit in these ancient and hallowed lands.