There, in that sacred place, the lord of gods was pleased by the sage’s devoted dance and granted him a boon. After bathing in the holy waters of the Bāṇa Gaṅgā and beholding the lord Bāṇeśvara, the sage of the Ālaṅkāyana lineage swiftly attained supreme status in that revered field. Now, listen as I reveal to you, O Earth, another supreme and secret matter. Understanding the highest intent, the great god Maheśvara, through the power of his yogic illusion, became the son of Ālaṅkāyana. Endowed with the wondrous energy of yoga, the three-eyed one, bearing his trident, was born into the world. Yet, though he remained engaged in my worship, none recognized his true form. Then, a divine voice called out, “Arise, O tiger among sages; your desire has borne fruit. You performed austerity together with the Lord for the sake of a son. Considering thus, I myself have been born for you. You have attained the highest accomplishment, for I, your son, remain with you.” Astonished, the sage wondered, “How is it that Hari has not yet appeared to me? Until I behold him, I shall not cease my austerities.” The divine voice instructed, “You too, by the power of yoga, go swiftly to Mathurā. Bring Āmuṣyāyaṇa here quickly.” Obediently, Nandī received this command and hurried to Mathurā. There, upon meeting Āmuṣyāyaṇa, he inquired after his name. Āmuṣyāyaṇa, a disciple of Sālaṃkāyana, responded and asked, “Tell me, is the guru well? Where does that ascetic reside? Please tell me everything in detail, and let the arghya offering be presented.” Nandī narrated all that had taken place and explained the reason for his coming. After a few days, they reached the bank of the Gaṇḍakī River. There, by the divine will, a woman named Devikā was engaged in deep austerities. Beyond her hermitage was another, belonging to the sages Pulastya and Pulaha. That sacred place, known as Kāmika, was most beloved to the ancestors. O goddess, by visiting Kāmika, one attains both liberation and enjoyment, and the destruction of great sins. The Earth then spoke: “This place is also known as Śūlaṭaṅka, and Someśa. Here too, Viṣṇu himself abides under the name Veṇī Mādhava. It is dear to all the gods, sages, and even the lakes. Those who bathe here ascend to heaven, and the departed gain liberation. This alone is renowned as the Triveṇī—why do you praise some unprecedented place?” “Therefore, O greatly fortunate one,” Earth implored, “tell that for the welfare of the worlds.” Śrī Varāha replied, “Here I shall recount to you an auspicious story with history. Long ago, Viṣṇu himself performed great austerities for the welfare of the worlds. After a long time spent in deep penance, from the heat of his body a flood of sweat poured from his cheeks. All the beings of Maharloka and beyond were astonished in every direction. Then, all the gods, eager and concerned, went to Brahmā. But even Brahmā, deluded by Viṣṇu’s māyā, did not know the cause.