Of all secrets, this is the highest—what more could you wish to hear? Now, let me recount the glory of the sacred Śālagrāma field. O Lord of gods, listen as I tell of the sage Śālaṅkāyana. Śrī Varāha spoke: The sage Śālaṅkāyana, following the prescribed austerities with unwavering discipline, came upon a magnificent śāla tree. This tree stood unbroken, of incomparable beauty, vast and covered in blossoms. Weary from his long pursuit of knowledge, the sage gazed upon this wondrous tree, its presence both soothing and awe-inspiring. Exhausted, he paused beneath its shade. To the east of that śāla tree, the sage took his stand, facing west. There, on that very eastern side, Śālaṅkāyana, steadfast in his vows, saw me. Struck by my radiance, he slowly opened his eyes and gazed at me with deep devotion. Then I moved to the southern side of the tree, O Earth, and the sage, standing before me, offered heartfelt praise that was dear to me. Receiving his worship and hymns, I moved to the western side. There, Śālaṅkāyana praised me with powerful mantras from the Yajur Veda, and then again with mantras from the Sāma Veda. Filled with the highest joy by his devotion, I spoke to the sage, pleased by both his austerity and his praise. Thus addressed, the sage Śālaṅkāyana, resolute in his vows, spoke to me, O goddess: “I wander the whole earth, across its mountains, forests, and groves. If you are truly pleased with me, O supreme God, bringer of all peace, then grant me this boon, O Lord of the universe: bless me with a son equal to yourself.” Having been asked for this boon by that sage of mighty deeds, I listened to the words of the austere Brahmin and replied: “O sage, what you have long contemplated while observing your vow—the supreme form of the Lord, known as Nandikeśvara—has come to pass. Cease your austerity, O Brahmin, and attain peace, great sage. You do not know, O best of seers, that he has already been born as Nandikeśvara. From Mathurā, bring the one known as Āmuṣyāyaṇa. There, O most fortunate one, remain in the hermitage, you who are a treasure of austerities.” Moreover, I revealed a secret to Śālaṅkāyana: “Listen to me, O sage, and learn of the auspicious place called Śālagrāma. No one knows this except the great god Maheśvara himself.” Having granted this boon to Śālaṅkāyana, while he watched, O Earth, I disappeared from that very spot. That place, upon the lofty mountain peak, delights me greatly. There, O Earth, I will speak to you of my deepest secrets. In that sacred place are fifteen secret, holy fords. There is also a secret field called Bilvaprabha, most dear to me—delightful, supremely hidden, and bringing happiness to the deeds of all devoted souls.