O Earth, I journeyed to the southern side of the sacred tree. There, standing before me, the sage offered heartfelt praise, words that were dear to me. Honored with hymns, I then moved towards the western direction. As I went west, I was again praised—this time with mantras from the Yajur Veda. The sage did not cease; in the west too, he honored me with the melodious chants of the Sama Veda. Filled with supreme joy from his devotion, I spoke to that sage. “O sage, your austerity and your praise have pleased me greatly.” Thus addressed, the sage Śālaṅkāyana, steadfast in his vows, replied to me with humility and devotion. He said, “I wander across the entire earth, with its mountains, forests, and groves. If you are pleased with me, O supreme god, bringer of all peace, grant me, Lord of the universe, a son equal to yourself.” Thus did the sage of mighty deeds request this boon from me. Hearing his sincere words, I responded, “O sage, what you have long contemplated during your vows—the supreme form of the Lord, known as Nandikeśvara—has already come to be. Cease your austerities now, great sage, and be at peace. You do not know, best of seers, that he has already been born as Nandikeśvara. Go to Mathurā and bring the one known as Āmuṣyāyaṇa. There, O most fortunate one, remain in the hermitage, you who are a treasure of austerities. Moreover, Śālaṅkāyana, I will tell you a secret—listen well. Learn of the auspicious place called Śālagrāma. No one knows this except the great god Maheśvara himself. Thus, having granted this boon to Śālaṅkāyana, I vanished before his eyes, O Earth. That place, on the lofty peak of the mountain, is especially dear to me. Now, O Earth, hear as I reveal further secrets. In that land are fifteen hidden, sacred fords. There is a secret field called Bilvaprabha, which is dear to me. It is delightful, supremely secret, and brings happiness to those devoted to good deeds. Whoever worships there attains the fruit of four horse sacrifices. Having enjoyed the reward of the horse sacrifice, that person rejoices in my world. There, stones marked with the discus are scattered about, and, O Earth, know that this holy region extends for three yojanas in all directions. One certainly attains the fruit of three sacrifices there. After enjoying the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice, the devotee comes to my world. Three sacred streams descend here, resting upon the snowy mountain peak. Whoever bathes there attains the pure fruits of three nights’ rites. Having enjoyed the fruit of the Atirātra rite, that soul is honored in my world. And here, indeed, a lake’s current emerges from beneath a jujube tree, completing the sacredness of this place.