The sacred Sarasvati River, flowing ever eastward, is remembered as being ten times more virtuous than any other river. For this reason, O Devi, the holy land of Kurukshetra is itself regarded as ten times greater in sanctity. Yet, even above Kurukshetra, the realm of Mahakala is considered ten times more supreme. Within this extraordinary realm, there dwell sixty thousand crores and sixty hundred crores of divine beings, and nine crores of potent powers reside in that field. It is said that even when the smallest creatures—worms, insects, and flying beings—meet their end there, it is as if a great sacrifice has been performed. Such is the wondrous glory of this place, as once recounted by the sage Narada, the foremost among the gods. Inspired by these words, the gods themselves, led by Narada, hastened swiftly to Mahakalavana, bringing with them the entire host of the celestials. This sacred field is remembered as being even greater than heaven itself and remains imperishable, untouched even at the time of cosmic dissolution. There, the gods beheld marvelous mansions—golden, auspicious, and adorned with diamonds and sapphires, sparkling like pure crystal. The sight of the delightful Mahakalavana filled all the gods with joy, and they praised Narada for leading them to such a place. In their delight, the gods declared, “We shall not go to Kailasa, nor to Meru, for nothing compares to this.” “This is our supreme Amaravati, this is our auspicious Bhogavati,” they proclaimed, accepting Mahakalavana as their own divine abode. Meanwhile, O Devi, the heavens themselves became empty, for the gods had resolved to depart from there, abandoning their celestial bodies to dwell in this sacred grove. Thus, having left me behind, all the gods went to Mahakalavana. As this was spoken, I too arrived at the excellent Mahakalavana at that very moment, beholding it encircled by the joyful gods. At that very time, a bodiless voice rang out, proclaiming the sacred directions: to the east of Karkotaka and to the south of Mahamaya. Thus addressed by the Lord of the gods, I rejoiced, my mind absorbed in the wonder of that place. With auspicious flowers, I worshipped and spoke to the lovely-faced one: “Even those who have committed evil deeds, if they strive to behold you—especially on the eighth or fourteenth day, or at the time of a planetary transit—seated in a splendid celestial chariot adorned with the jewels of their desires, what need have they for various gifts or countless sacrifices? Whatever desire a person contemplates while worshipping here, it is fulfilled. This has been declared by the gods themselves upon seeing the supreme liṅga. Blessed indeed are those who worship the Lord of the triple world.” Having spoken thus, I again worshipped the liṅga of the triple world, O Goddess. This power of his, which destroys all sin, I have now told to you. Merely by seeing him, the sin of killing even a Brāhmaṇa is destroyed. Long ago, during the age of Vaivasvata, when the Tretā era arrived, the Brāhmaṇas were gathered, seated and offering sacred fire. At that time, O Goddess, I appeared before them—clad in old rags, bald, bearing a staff topped with a skull, holding a skull in my hand, adorned with ornaments made of skulls. The Brāhmaṇas, angered by my appearance as a beggar, mocked me repeatedly, saying, “Go away, sinner, go away!” For it is sung in the Vedas that those without skulls are pure. I spoke to those Brāhmaṇas: “Listen, O best of the twice-born! Compassion must always be shown by the virtuous to all embodied beings. I am a Brahmin ascetic, my body adorned with sacred ashes, and I constantly worship Mahadeva, the Lord of the universe. I have undertaken the renowned ritual to destroy sin, O twice-born ones.” After hearing my words, those eminent Brahmins declared their response, and thus the tale of Mahakala’s supreme sanctity and the power of devotion was revealed.