In the radiant Mahakala forest, whose beauty surpasses even that of heaven, a tale unfolds. Pattana, a city of incomparable qualities, stands resplendent—its mastery in song and music rivaling that of the very abode of the gods. O daughter of the mountain, it was at such a moment that the divine sage Narada appeared before the goddess. For amusement and out of curiosity, I questioned Narada, seeking to know more for your sake. I asked him, “In which hermitage were the great austerities performed?” and, “O best of sages, tell me of any marvel you have seen before.” With careful consideration, Narada recounted the story of Pattana. He spoke of his travels across many sacred fords and shrines, wandering joyfully upon the delightful expanse of Jambudvipa. As he wished, arrangements were made in Pattana, adorning it with hundreds of splendid palaces. Breezes carried the gentle touch of comfort and the fragrance of flowers from every season, enveloping the city. Its brilliance was unmatched, shining with diamonds, sapphires, beryl, and moonstones. Within this city, the gods themselves—Indra, Agni, Yama, Varuna, Vayu, Soma, and Ishana—attended, drawn by its allure. Even the ever-joyful gods desired this city. The directions glowed with the radiance of the restrained, shining like the brilliance of the sun and fire. Virtuous Brahmins devoted to Shiva and Kshatriyas intent on Vishnu dwelled there. The deity presiding over the city appeared in many forms: sometimes shining, sometimes red, sometimes yellow, and sometimes of other colors. At times, he was like a thousand suns; at others, he shone with the brilliance of a single sun. Birth, death, old age, disease, and various other sufferings were present, yet, O Devi, the power of this presiding deity, destroyer of sin, has been described to you. Thus concludes the thirty-second chapter, named “The Greatness of Pattaneshvara,” part of the section on the eighty-four Lingas, in the Avanti Khanda of the vast Skanda Mahapurana. Know that the greatness of Pattaneshvara is sin-destroying, meritorious, and always bestows prosperity. Long ago, in the Rāthantara Kalpa, there was a lord of the earth—a king righteous, noble-hearted, and endowed with great valor. He was impartial toward enemy, son, and friend, understanding the duties of all. There was one, exceedingly dear, more precious even than life itself. As soon as he was born, she firmly embraced him in her lap. This child, endowed with memory of previous births, remained in his mother’s embrace. The mother, fearful, wondered, “What is this, my child, this smile upon your face?” Thus addressed, the child replied, “Everyone pursues their own interest; this one, having become invisible, is the second to steal a newborn. Out of love for your son, mother, you too now seek your own advantage. When a child is born, even women, out of affection and confusion, become agitated. The greedy cat, intent on her own gain, watches me closely. But you, in due course, desire to enjoy the fruit that comes from me. The bond with children does not last beyond five or seven days.” The mother responded, “Thus, O dear child, you say to me, but your words are false. I do not embrace you, my child, out of affection for the sake of some benefit.” Having spoken thus, she left him and departed from the birthing chamber. Then she took that child, who remembered his former birth. Thinking him to be her own son, she was taken by the mighty king. The son of Vikranta was taken away, as was the son of the twice-born Bodha. Thus, the story of Pattana’s greatness and the mysterious child unfolds, woven into the sacred verses of the Skanda Mahapurana.