In the heart of the mountain lies my great earthly pool, a sacred place of profound significance. There, on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight during the month of Jyeshtha, one should bathe, for it is an act of immense merit. If, after performing my deeds with devotion, a person were to relinquish their life in that place, their soul would surely be uplifted. Within this sacred mountain realm is a place known as Merorvara, where my supreme secret resides. There, three radiant streams descend, their waters shining with a golden brilliance. Whoever bathes in those streams, having observed a fast for three nights, attains great sanctity. Should one depart from this world at that supreme, hidden spot of mine, their journey beyond is blessed. There is also another excellent ford called Manasodbheda, a place so secret that even the gods themselves do not know of its existence. Whoever bathes there, after fasting for a day and night, is purified, O Devi. Furthermore, there exists my most secret place called Pañcaśira. Atop the great-headed rock, five pools rest, and among them, the central pool is distinctly marked by the self-born one. Whoever bathes in that special pool, having fasted for five nights, is especially sanctified. In the same way, if one gives up the body at my secret Pañcaśira, being wise, intelligent, and free from passion and delusion, they reach the highest state. There is yet another supreme tīrtha of mine called Somābhiṣeka. It was here that, when the Brāhmaṇas were enthroned, I anointed Soma. In that very spot, I was pleased by Atri’s son, O Mādhavi, and by my grace, he attained the highest perfection. Here, Skanda, Indra, and the hosts of Maruts are both born and dissolved. Nearby lies Somagiri, where a holy stream descends to the earth. Whoever bathes there, after fasting for three nights, is purified, and if one departs from this life there, having performed the most difficult of acts, their merit is unsurpassed. Within this sacred field is my most secret pool, known as Urvaśikuṇḍa. There, O goddess, I myself perform austerities, even for the sake of the gods. For many years, I remained in austerity in that place. At Badari, with each single fruit, I remain for ten crores of years, for ten tens of arbuda—immense spans of time. During these periods, the gods cannot see me, for I abide in a secret path, hidden from their sight. Yet I, established in my austerity, see everything, O Earth. At such times, all the deities approached the Grandfather Brahma and addressed him. Hearing their words, Brahma, the grandsire of the worlds, gathered the gods, the Gandharvas, the Siddhas, and the supreme seers. There, led by Indra, the gods finally perceived me. They prayed, “Protect us, O Hrishikesha, with your supreme grace.” All those upon whom I have cast my gaze have attained the highest bliss. Whoever bathes in these holy waters is freed from all sins—there can be no doubt. Whoever, devoted to my deeds, gives up their life here, or even remembers the holy hermitage of Badari from afar, or hears this account, or recites it with devotion, attains the greatest merit and liberation.