Listen, as the Lord spoke of the sacred places hidden within his domain. He revealed a most secret spot called Pañcaśira, where five pools shimmer atop the summit of a great-headed rock. Among them, the central pool stands out, marked by the self-born one. Whoever bathes there, after fasting for five nights, is blessed; and likewise, if one gives up their body at this secret Pañcaśira—being wise, intelligent, and free from passion and delusion—they are graced by the Lord. There is another supreme tīrtha, Somābhiṣeka, where, when the Brāhmaṇas were enthroned, Soma was anointed by the Lord himself. There, Atri’s son pleased the Lord, and by his grace, attained the highest perfection. It is a place where Skanda, Indra, and the hosts of Maruts are born and dissolve. Nearby lies Somagiri, where a sacred stream falls to earth. Whoever bathes there, having fasted for three nights, is purified; and if one dies there, having performed a most difficult act, they are blessed. Within that field is another secret pool, Urvaśikuṇḍa. There, the Lord himself practices austerity, even for the sake of the gods. He performed austerities there for many years, and with each fruit at Badari, he remains for ten crores, ten years, or ten arbuda—a vast span of time. During these periods, the gods cannot see him, as he abides in the secret path, but he, established in austerity, sees all things. At such times, the deities approach Brahma, the Grandfather, and address him. Hearing their words, Brahma, the grandsire of the worlds, listens as the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and supreme seers unite. There, led by Indra, the gods perceive the Lord and beseech him: “Protect us, O Hrishikesha, with your supreme grace.” All those upon whom the Lord casts his gaze attain the highest bliss. Whoever bathes at Badari is freed from all sins, without doubt. Those who give up their life there, devoted to the Lord’s deeds, are blessed. Even those who simply remember the holy Badari hermitage, wherever they may be, or hear its story, or recite it constantly, or meditate and practice yoga, attain liberation. He who realizes the self attains the supreme state. Thus ends the one hundred and forty-first chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, describing the greatness of Badarika Ashrama. Now begins the account of the greatness of the secret rite. Hearing the words of the gods, the Earth, desiring righteousness, spoke gently to Janardana: “Women, as you have described, are weak in life-force and strength. Men here, while eating, indeed attain the highest bliss through rajas.” Hearing these words from Madhavi, Mādhava replied. Śrī Varāha said: “You have asked about the supreme secret, which brings happiness to my devotees. O goddess, she who is touched by rajas and devoted to my actions—” Thus the Lord began to reveal the supreme secret.