Listen, O beautiful one, to the sacred account of the greatness of Kubjāmra, as revealed in the Varaha Purana. Those who observe the prescribed vows at this holy place attain the complete fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. The established rule is to practice these observances for either ten or five days. One who fulfills these rites is born with four arms and is firmly established in my world. The sign by which this tirtha is known marks it as the greatest among sacred places. Especially on the twelfth day, this distinguishing mark is recognized. This place is renowned as Shakra-tirtha, the liberator from all worldly existence. Shakra himself dwells there, holding the thunderbolt—of this, there is no doubt. After fasting for ten nights in this holy place, a devotee ascends to my world. Therefore, focus your mind in single-pointed concentration and listen to this truth. O Earth, the mark of Śakra’s sacred place has been described to you. Here, Varuṇa performed severe austerities for five thousand and seven years. Whatever a man of firm vows attains in this sacred place, whether while alive or after death, he moves about at will—there is no doubt in this. By abandoning all attachments, he reaches my world. In that region, a single, pure stream always flows, remaining of one form. Within the Kubjāmra grove lies the supreme place called Saptasāmudraka. There, one attains the merit equal to performing three Aśvamedha sacrifices. If a twice-born falls from heaven, he is reborn with lineage; or, if free from attachment and self-controlled, he departs from life here itself. Now, listen as I describe the sign of that sacred place. It is where the pure Gāṅgatā mingles with the holy waters of the Ganges. There, she joyfully receives offerings of fragrant garlands and flowers as she wishes. Just as Dhūmaketu and Agni delight there, so too do the devotees. Once, anger arose in me upon seeing him fallen before me. Angered, the prince spoke to the princess. He is handsome, attractive, and worthy of both kings and households. By always being face-to-face with him, she became just like him in the past. Hearing the words of his wife and son, the lord of the people of Kosala considered their request. That statement, they insisted, must certainly be spoken in his presence. Then the king, smiling, addressed his son: “Speak, O fortunate one, what I had previously asked.” Gold, jewels, garments, food, and other desired things were brought forth. Having set the boundary of the holy place, the king gave abundant gifts. The royal son, great in austerity, received the remnants. In a contest, she fought with him but was struck down by Nakula. Among the powerful, there was great energy; among the ascetics, great austerity. Indeed, he shall be born with four arms, established among the worlds for the happiness of my devotees. What more do you wish to know? Thus concludes the one hundred twenty-sixth chapter, “The Favor to Raibhya,” in the glorious Varaha Purana, in the scripture of the Lord, describing the greatness of Kubjāmra. Now begins the description of the Brahmana initiation thread. Having heard about these dharmas, for the sake of liberation, the power of this sacred place, as narrated, is exceedingly abundant. Both delusion and purity are found here, O Lord, and I hear of them with reverence.