With a heart full of devotion, the sage approached the supreme god, the bringer of all peace, and spoke with deep reverence, "If you are pleased with me, O Lord of the universe, grant me a son equal to yourself." Thus, the sage of mighty deeds made his request for a boon. Hearing these words from the austere Brahmin, the Lord replied with compassion, "O sage, what you have long contemplated in your heart, while observing your vows, shall come to pass. The supreme form of the Lord, known as Nandikeśvara, has already manifested. Cease your austerities now, great sage, and attain peace. You are not aware, O best of seers, that your desire has already been fulfilled—Nandikeśvara has been born." The Lord then instructed the sage, "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." Furthermore, the Lord said, "I will reveal to you a secret, O Śālaṅkāyana. Listen carefully and learn about the auspicious place called Śālagrāma. No one knows of this sacred place except the great god Maheśvara himself." Having granted this boon to Śālaṅkāyana, the Lord vanished from sight while the sage watched in wonder. The Lord’s presence lingered at that delightful place upon the lofty mountain peak. Turning to the Earth, he spoke, "O Earth, listen as I reveal to you my secrets. There, upon that mountain, are fifteen secret and sacred fords. There is a hidden field called Bilvaprabha, which is dear to me. This place is supremely delightful and brings happiness to those devoted to their deeds. Whoever visits attains the merit equal to performing four horse sacrifices, and after enjoying the fruits of these sacrifices, he rejoices in my world." The Lord continued, "There, stones marked with the discus can be seen scattered about. Know, O Earth, that this sacred region stretches for three yojanas all around. Those who enter here certainly attain the fruits of three sacrifices, and after enjoying the results of the Vājapeya sacrifice, they come to dwell in my world." He described the wondrous geography: "Three streams descend here, resting upon the snowy peak. One who bathes here attains the pure fruit of three nights' rites, and, having enjoyed the merit of the Atirātra rite, is honored in my world. In this place, a lake’s current emerges from beneath a jujube tree. Whoever bathes in this current gains the fruit of the Naramedha sacrifice and, after enjoying its rewards, delights in my world." The Lord then revealed, "There is a secret, supreme field of mine called Śaṅkhaprabha. Within this field is the celebrated place known as Gadākuṇḍa. There, a man should bathe after fasting for three nights. Then, indeed, he departs this life accomplished and endowed with virtues. Again, there is another secret, supreme field of mine called Agniprabha. Whoever bathes there after fasting for four nights, at that place relinquishes his life, established in my deeds." Finally, the Lord said, "O noble one, hear from me the wondrous thing spoken of there," thus inviting the sage and all who listen to seek out the mysteries and blessings of these sacred places.