Listen, O noble one, to the story of a most sacred and wondrous place, whose glory is sung in the Skanda Purāṇa. This tīrtha is renowned for its power to destroy all sins, bestow merit, and grant every desired boon. Whoever bathes in its holy waters attains the world of heroes, and it is celebrated as the foremost among the Nāga tīrthas, fulfilling every wish of the devotee. Even by merely beholding this place, all suffering is dispelled. O best of sages, you asked for a detailed account of this holy site. In ancient times, the Yoginī groups, brought forth by the inexorable wheel of time, performed their mysterious acts there. Among these powerful beings, one named Kāli stood supreme, the foremost of the Yoginīs. By her might, she dispelled faults and calamities that plagued the world. Yet, the supreme Self overthrew even those acts of Kāla, the personification of time, restoring cosmic order. There was a dark illusion known as Koṭarī, but it was not counted among the revered Mothers. A righteous soul brought these forces under control, and by their grace, every wish may be fulfilled. This guardian always remains to the east, beyond the barren lands, and is especially venerated on the fourteenth day, as well as on the eighth and ninth days of the lunar month. At auspicious moments—weddings, childbirth, and other celebrations—one should worship this boon-bestowing form with betel leaves, perfumes, and fragrant offerings. Such worship is the highest blessing, the very essence of auspiciousness. It purifies all impurities, destroys the wicked, and has been practiced by the virtuous for ages—by those with shaven heads and sacred grass girdles. This tīrtha is adorned with playful sports and is a witness to the valor of newly-wed brides and young women. The presiding deity is described as having eyes pure as lotus petals, adorned with a beautiful crescent moon, possessing all noble qualities, and taking whatever form is desired by devotees. This deity is the destroyer of all strength and obstacles, the sole guardian of the sacred field, fierce and terrifying in appearance, with a wide, roaring laughter. Yet, he also removes the fear of worldly existence, inspires dread among the Yoginīs, and is the lord of all divine hosts, with eyes radiant like the moon and sun. Four-armed, he holds conch, mace, and weapons, is clad in yellow garments, and is as beautiful as dense rain clouds. Delightful to the worlds, the universe, beloved ones, and through his fame, he is the primordial, eternal Brahman—devoted to purity, the bestower of accomplishment and desires, worthy of service, endowed with devotion, and worshipped by Hari, Hara, and the virtuous since the beginning of creation. There is a sacred Bhairava Octet, a hymn, which should be recited each morning. It destroys evil dreams and grants the desired fruits, whether at the royal gate, in disputes, in battle, or in times of adversity. With concentrated mind, it should be recited to remove poverty and suffering. Bhairava, the excellent one, is worshipped by those fearful of the dangers of worldly existence. Thus concludes the sixty-fourth chapter, named "The Description of the Pilgrimage to the Kālabhairava Tīrtha," in the section on the greatness of the Avanti region, in the fifth book of the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. Yet, O noble one, the greatness of that excellent tīrtha does not end here. The listener, eager to know more, requests the sage—best among knowers of Brahman—to narrate further, to tell the most sacred story that removes sin from the earth. By merely hearing it, one is freed from curses. Recall, for instance, how those who had been burned by Janamejaya were liberated by Āstika's intervention. During Janamejaya’s great sacrifice, in the presence of the king of gods, the existence of the ancestors was sought, and a place of residence desired, O scorcher of foes. In the beautiful Mahākāla forest lies the place known as Kuśasthalī. On its southern side is an ancient and renowned holy site, where the eternal Brahman himself rests, having entered yogic sleep. There too stands the radiant sage Lomaśa, of great brilliance. Such is the sacred tale, O noble one, of the tīrtha whose glory purifies, liberates, and bestows all blessings.