At the tender age of nine, Kuru, son of Samvaraṇa, underwent the sacred rite of initiation. Immersing himself in study, he soon became thoroughly versed in the Veda and all the scriptures, earning renown across the earth as Puruṣottama. As he grew, Kuru sought to arrange a marriage within a noble family. For his sake, a request was made, and he was granted the slender-waisted Paulomī, with whom he enjoyed happiness, much like Maghavan (Indra) delights in his own consort. Recognizing Kuru’s virtue and wisdom, he was anointed king according to the prescribed rites. As ruler, he protected the earth and its people with the care and devotion of a father to his children. He became a mighty guardian, the protector of all. While his fame remained firmly established, he dwelt among the gods, his glory shining bright. Seeking greater renown, King Kuru traveled across the whole earth. Once satisfied with his accomplishments, he withdrew within himself and approached Sarasvatī, the blessed daughter of Brahmā, born of the Plakṣa tree, whose tongue is beloved by Hari. The goddess stood on the riverbank, bathed by countless sacred fords. From there, Kuru made his way to the northern altar of Brahmā, approaching it from all sides—a space five yojanas in extent. Because it lay to the north, the learned called it ‘the northern altar.’ It was at this altar that Śaṃbhu, lord of the gods and protector of the worlds, had performed sacrifices. To the south stood Virajā, the altar bestowing endless fruits. The Samantapañcaka was also renowned as an altar—the supreme, imperishable northern one. With resolve, Kuru declared, “I shall do, I shall cultivate, all desires as you wish.” For the sake of fame, this bull among kings created the unparalleled Pauṇḍraka Yāmyamahiṣa, preparing himself to plough it. As he began his task, someone asked him, “O king, what is it that you are preparing to do here?” Kuru replied, “I cultivate purity, charity, yoga, and celibacy.” Suddenly, having attained the eightfold yoga, he laughed and departed from there. The king then ploughed the surrounding land for seven krośas on all sides. Afterward, he proclaimed the great eightfold dharma. He called out, “Give me the land; I will cause the furrow to be made, let you plough the field.” Witnessing an outstretched arm, I struck it swiftly with my discus. Though the king’s left arm was offered and cut off, it was done by me. When it was declared, “I am the granter of boons,” the best of the Kurus requested a boon. He asked that those who bathe and those who die in this place may receive the fruit of great merit. He wished that other acts—such as homa and sacrifice, whether auspicious or inauspicious—would yield imperishable fruit in this excellent field. Thus addressed, I replied to the king, “So be it,” and spoke further: “At the end of your life, O steadfast one, you will attain dissolution in me alone. Here, priests will perform thousands of sacrifices. The yakṣa named Candra and the serpent Vāsuki, King Ajāvana and the great god Pāvaka (Fire), their powerful attendants, and other followers as well, will all gather in this sacred place.