The gods, led by Indra, gathered together to perform a secret and intense penance, seeking to purify themselves of all sin. Freed from their impurities, they turned to Lord Vāsudeva, the supreme Lord of the gods, and addressed him with reverence. With humility, they asked, “By the prescribed rites, whom should we bathe with milk and other sacred substances? Why do you not see, within my own body, the yogic powers that are established here? Speak the truth, O Lord of the gods: where does the great Lord truly abide?” Hearing their earnest questions, Murāri—another name for Lord Krishna—revealed to the assembled gods the divine liṅga, the mark of sovereignty and spiritual power. The gods, filled with devotion, bathed this eternal, unchanging, and imperishable liṅga with holy substances. With offerings of bilva leaves and lotuses, they worshipped the Lord with deep faith and love. They recited the eight hundred sacred names, each name a hymn of praise, and then bowed in heartfelt salutation. Yet, the gods wondered aloud, “How did those beings, born of darkness and ignorance, attain such yogic power?” They reflected on the Lord’s form: endowed with all auspicious marks, bearing all weapons, and utterly imperishable. He was adorned with a garland, with serpents as ornaments upon his chest, and his waist was covered with a yellow deerskin. In that sacred moment, the air resounded with the sounds of kaparda shells, clubs, skulls, bells, and conch shells, creating an atmosphere of awe. After these events, the lotus-seated Brahma and the other gods bowed low, each fixing their minds on a single direction in deep meditation. Then, seizing the liṅga, one of them swiftly rushed toward Kurukshetra, his own hermitage. Upon seeing him, the others greeted him with respect, saying, “Salutations, O Sthanu,” and they all sat down together. They then addressed him, “O Lord of the universe, the world is disturbed; arise, beloved guest!” Hearing their plea, the all-pervading, stainless Lord immediately rose. Accompanied by the gods and Indra, all bowing with humility, he arrived at the scene. The three worlds, enveloped by the Lord’s great vow, were agitated and restless. With their minds now at peace, the gods joyfully returned to heaven, intent and satisfied. Yet Rudra, the great Lord, pondered, “For what reason is the earth so disturbed?” Looking out, he saw Ushanas, the treasury of austerity, seated on the bank of the sacred Ghagavati river. “O Brahmin,” Rudra called out, “tell me quickly what is causing this agitation in the world.” Ushanas replied, “O three-eyed one, I wish to know the auspicious science of revival.” Rudra assured him, “Therefore, you will know the science of revival in its true essence.” Yet, even as they spoke, the earth, surrounded by oceans, mountains, and hills, continued to tremble and move. Then Rudra saw the sage named Mankana, dancing with great energy. So powerful was his dance that the earth itself quaked, mountains shaking in response. Approaching the sage, Rudra asked, “Why are you dancing? What is your intention? Tell me, what satisfaction do you find here?” Mankana replied, “For many years I have practiced severe austerities, subjecting my body to hardship, in order to exhaust my sins. Therefore, O foremost of the twice-born, today I am truly pleased. My heart is uplifted and I dance with a purified soul. But merely by striking the earth, there is no joy for me; indeed, you, sir, are heedless.” Ceasing his dance, Mankana was filled with wonder and bowed low at Rudra’s feet, his heart full of humility and reverence. Rudra then declared, “This sacred ford on earth is supreme, equal in merit to Prithudaka. May it ever remain the foremost repository of righteousness—the Sarasvata, remover of sin and impurity. The Sarasvati is enchanting, vast, and flows with abundant waters. All these most virtuous places grant the fruit of Soma-pala. Whoever establishes the image at Kurukshetra with self-control will attain great merit and reach Brahmaloka, the highest realm, which is extremely difficult to obtain.” Thus, having established the sacred image at Kurukshetra, the self-controlled one ultimately attained Brahmaloka, the supreme abode.