After purifying themselves in the sacred waters of the Śātadru, the group of sages continued their journey to the Vipāśā. Their pilgrimage led them onward to the revered river Kiraṇā, whose waters sparkled with the golden rays of the sun. Immersing themselves there, they then bathed in the Airāvatī, known for its supremely pure waters, and proceeded to the holy site of Atheśvarī. O sage, Maitreya and his companions descended into the auspicious river to bathe, and as they did so, a wondrous event unfolded within the waters, astonishing all present. Emerging from their ablutions, the sages pondered in amazement, "What is this?" Their curiosity was piqued as they beheld a forest, dark as the neck of a peacock, echoing with the calls of birds. With their matted locks spread out, O Nārada, the sages entered the very earth itself. The forest before them shone with ten and a half pleasing colors, reminiscent of the host of stars scattered across the night sky. Just as a lake is filled with kokanada lotuses, so too was this forest adorned with these radiant blooms. Delighted, the sages entered, their minds as joyful as swans gliding into a great lake. O brāhmaṇa, the landscape stretched westward, covered with forests rich in wealth, and northward, it gleamed with the pure luster of crystal, promising liberation. At the end of the Dvāpara age, as Tiṣya began, an āśrama dedicated to dharma was established there, for the sake of righteousness. Within this uninterrupted, water-filled place, the sages found true joy. Already, the Lord of the universe had been established there in four divine forms. Through service, austerity, and celibacy, O Nārada, the sages honored the sacred presence. Yet, fearing the power of the asuras, they sought refuge in the unbroken mountain. After bathing in the waters of the Kalindi, they continued their journey, now facing south. By the grace of Vishnu, even the mighty asuras found it difficult to enter this sanctified place. The celibates took shelter amidst Rudra's multitude, remaining steadfast in their practices. O sage, Shukra, descendant of Bhrigu, guided them all in performing the sacrifice. Shukra himself conducted the sacrificial initiation for Bali, covering his back with a deerskin and adorning himself with various types of darbha grass. He was accompanied by Hayagriva, Pralamba, Maya, and Bana leading the way. Among a thousand maidens, the chief was the sage’s own daughter, who was released to roam the earth, followed by Tarakaksha. Three months passed, and as the sacred fire was being offered, the mother of the gods gave birth to Madhava in the form of Vamana. Then, Brahma, together with the great sages, approached and recited hymns to the mighty Lord: "Homage to you, O fire that consumes the fuel of enemies; homage to you, O fire that burns the great forest of sin. Salutations to you, supporter of the universe; salutations to you, supreme person. Clad in yellow garments, beloved of Shri, Janardana, salutations to you. Bearer of all, sustainer of the earth, bearer of forms—salutations to you. O lord of the gods, wipe away the tears of Indra." The blessed one spoke to me, O mighty one, about the bringing of the Kurus. Bharadvāja, son of Bṛhaspati, radiant and rich in austerity, was present. Filled with affection, all the sages granted boons in turn: Kumbhayoni bestowed a deerskin, and Bharadvāja gave a girdle. Thus, their journey continued, filled with wonder, devotion, and the blessings of the divine.