In the sacred region of Mandara, there lies a pool of great spiritual power. Here, a person who observes fasting and subsists on a single meal finds profound sanctity. If one relinquishes the breath of life in this pool at Mandara’s base, the soul is blessed. To the north of Mandara stands the mountain called Prapana, and within this field is my supreme bathing pool, known as Snanakunda. In this holy place, anyone devoted to my deeds attains liberation from mortal existence. On the northeastern side of Mandara, hidden from ordinary sight, is the secret cause of Vaikuntha. Whoever bathes there after spending a single night in fasting is purified. Likewise, here, one who fulfills all duties certainly departs from this world with grace. To the southeast, in the beautiful Varangana, flows a stream with an even, gentle current. Here, bathing after observing a single meal and fasting is recommended. Then, with the mind fixed upon me, one peacefully leaves this life. To the east of Mandara, within a secret hollow, lies another sacred place. Bathing here, after fasting and taking five meals, is a most difficult act; those who complete it depart from life, their deeds fulfilled. On Mandara’s southern side, emerging from the Vindhya, is another hidden spot. Here, a man who has fasted for a day and night should bathe, and having performed this arduous act, he gives up his breath. On the southern and western sides of the glorious Mandara, a person who fasts for a day and night and bathes there, established in my prescribed acts, gives up the breath of life. To the west of Mandara is a secret place, accompanied by the gods. A man who fasts for five meals and bathes here, especially a great and renowned emperor, finds release from mortal existence. Turning to the northwestern direction, on a lofty peak of the Vindhya, one whose mind is fixed on me should bathe. In this secret place, O illustrious one, he gives up his breath. Even by merely calling out in the southern direction and taking refuge there, a person who fasts for eight nights and bathes is assured of departing, established in my prescribed acts. On Mandara’s western side is a truly supreme and great secret place. Here, a man who fasts for a day and night and bathes, having completed his own acts, gives up the breath. Now, listen to the description of the circle of this sacred field. Upon the summit of the Vindhya mountain, I stand, O beautiful-hipped one. On my right is established the discus, and on my left, the mighty mace. The plough and pestle are present, and the conch stands before me. Many do not know this, for they are deluded by my divine power of illusion. Thus concludes the one hundred and forty-third chapter, entitled ‘The Description of the Greatness of Mandara,’ in the holy Varaha Purana, the scripture of the Blessed Lord. Having heard of Mandara’s glory, the Earth, desiring righteousness, spoke of the greatness of the fields beginning with the Someśvara and other liṅgas, and the confluence of the three rivers. The Earth then said: “O Viṣṇu, tell me of the place that is higher than Mandara.