O Vyāsa, listen as I recount the sacred traditions and glories spoken in the revered Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, especially the greatness of the holy regions of Avantī and their most illustrious tirthas. It is said that one who truly knows the many deities, and honors them with understanding, finds the fulfillment of every cherished desire. For the sake of accomplishment, even the son of Mitra and Varuṇa performed intense austerities, setting an example for all seekers. In this spirit, a man accompanied by his wife should undertake the sacred Sāvitrī vow, a practice that brings immense merit. Wherever a person bathes in holy waters and gives charity at a sacred place, he secures good fortune. The offerings made—seven kinds of grain and five precious gems—adorn the ritual and magnify its blessings. According to his means, one should fashion a golden image of Sāvitrī, O mighty one, for such devotion yields abundant prosperity, auspiciousness, and many enjoyments in life. For women, too, the Sāvitrī vow is especially beneficial, making them ever dear to their husbands. Thus concludes the chapter recounting the glory of the Nṛsiṃha sacred place, as preserved in the eighty-one-thousand-verse Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, in the Avantya section. Now, Vyāsa, hear further of another supreme sacred place, renowned and excellent upon earth. This foremost tirtha bestows the merit of all holy places combined. Long ago, for the sake of his lineage, Dakṣa, the lord of creatures, performed severe austerities here. Desiring worthy offspring, that righteous soul observed a vow for a long time at this very spot. It is here, after purifying oneself through bathing, that one should recite the eternal Brahman; by the grace of this place, abundant progeny is granted. Even Brahmā himself once performed exceedingly difficult austerities here, and Mahādeva, at this very location, attained the supreme position of Brahman. The goddess presides here, bearing her auspicious seat, and is celebrated as Bhadrakālī. At the entrance stands Bhairava, the vigilant guardian of the field, cared for by the Goddess herself as if he were her own son, ever remaining at this sacred place. Great and fortunate sages, on every festival day, come to bathe here, joined by virtuous men who seek spiritual merit. Even in times of dire calamity or dreadful epidemics, those who are devoted and offer various foods and enjoyments at this tirtha incur no fault. In adversity, one should worship the guardian Bhairava with focused mind, and after bathing with one’s family, offer worship to Maheshvara, adorned in garments decorated with gold, jewels, and pearls. Especially on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Phalguna, after bathing, one should remain awake through the night, performing worship with incense, lamps, offerings, garments, and ornaments. Such devotion destroys all sin, and the devotee is honored in the world of Shiva. Each moment of wakefulness yields the merit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Having properly worshipped Shiva, O Vyāsa, one should, if able, offer fourteen thousand cows with their calves in charity. Thus ends the chapter describing the glory of Kutumbeshvara, another radiant gem in the Avantikṣetra’s crown. Now, let me speak of Devaprayaga, the sacred confluence renowned as the destroyer of all sins. O mighty one, this is the supreme abode of the gods, where a holy ford is found. On the eastern bank of the Kṣiprā river lies this established tirtha. Here, the deity Mādhava is worshipped, known on earth as the bestower of every reward. And there too is Ānanda Bhairava, venerated by all the gods, radiating joy and auspiciousness. Thus are the glories and sacred practices of these revered places revealed, guiding all who seek virtue, prosperity, and liberation.