The Earth, with reverence, addressed the Lord: “Mandāra has been described by you as a place endowed with divine righteousness and purpose. What do people do there, and what results do they attain from their actions? What are the secrets and mysteries hidden at Mandāra?” Śrī Varāha, the Divine Boar, replied with kindness: “Listen, O beautiful one, and I shall reveal to you the secret—the great and sacred rite of Mandāra. Once, when Mandāra was in full bloom, I myself was playing there, delighting in its beauty. As I stood upon that mountain, a profound thought arose within me. By my power, on the Vindhya range, there also exists the great Mandara tree—a wondrous and enchanting place, with a stone surface that is especially delightful. Hear of a marvel, O lovely-hipped one: this Mandara tree is a wonder in itself. At midday, people are able to behold it in all its glory. There is a pool at the base of Mandara. If a person remains there, fasting with only a single meal, and if one gives up the breath of life in that pool, the results are most auspicious. To the north of Mandara lies the mountain called Prapana, and in that field is my supreme bathing pool, known as the Snanakunda. There, one who is devoted to my deeds and gives up life is truly liberated. On the northeastern side of Mandara lies the secret cause of Vaikuntha itself. Whoever bathes there, having spent a single night in fasting, attains the highest result, departing from this world having fulfilled all duties. To the southeast, in the beautiful region called Varangana, flows a stream with an even current. There, too, one should bathe after fasting with only a single meal. Departing from life there, with the mind fixed on me, brings great merit. To the east of Mandara is a secret hollow. Bathing there after five meals and fasting is prescribed. Departing from life in this way is a most difficult and meritorious act. On the southern side is another secret place, emerging from the Vindhya. There, one should bathe after fasting for a day and night. Then, having performed this most difficult act, one gives up the breath of life. On the southern and western sides of glorious Mandara, a person who has fasted for a day and night should bathe. One who is established in my prescribed acts and gives up the breath there attains the highest good. On the western side lies a secret place, surrounded by the gods themselves. There, a man who has fasted for five meals and bathes attains great renown, and even an emperor who gives up his breath there gains supreme merit. Turning to the northwestern direction, on the lofty Vindhya peak, one should bathe with the mind fixed on me. In that secret place, O illustrious one, giving up the breath leads to liberation. Simply by calling out and taking refuge in the southern direction, and by fasting for eight nights before bathing, one gains the highest result. One who is established in my prescribed acts and gives up the breath there is truly blessed. On the western side of Mandara, there is a supreme and most secret place. In all these ways, Mandāra is a realm of great mystery and profound spiritual benefit, sanctified by my presence and the devotion of those who seek liberation.