In my sacred domain, it is proclaimed that this land is supremely holy and purifying beyond compare. Among its renowned places is Siddhāśrama, famed as a sanctuary that magnifies merit. This ashrama is beautifully adorned: clusters of banana trees flourish, their branches heavy with a variety of vibrant flowers and delicious fruits. There, date palms rise alongside asoka, bakula, mango, and the beloved priyāla trees, all thriving together. The air is fragrant with the scent of oranges, jujubes, lemons, and citrons, while jasmine, kuravaka, nāga, kuṭaja, and pomegranate trees add to the lush abundance. Within this sacred region lies a supremely holy lake, situated at the confluence of divine rivers. To bathe here, especially in the auspicious month of Vaiśākha, is to earn the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows. Those who bathe during the month of Kārttika, when the sun journeys through Libra, and who dwell there for three nights with discipline and restraint, find their actions—be they sacrifice, austerity, charity, offerings to ancestors, or worship of the chosen deity—are magnified in potency. All offenses committed against the earth are wholly forgiven in this place. This confluence of sacred rivers is celebrated here, in this great and holy region where I, Varāha, stand facing east upon the earth. But listen further, O Earth! To my southern side stands Shiva, ever free from affliction. O goddess, those who seek and find Shiva truly find me as well, for whoever worships Shiva indeed worships me. Thus, this region is the living embodiment of both Hari and Hara, Vishnu and Shiva united. First among the fields here is the field of liberation, followed by the region called Ruru. The boundaries of this sacred land are known to extend as far as the confluence with the Gandaki River. Where the holy Bhagirathi joins the Ganga, there too is great merit. Especially revered is the place where the sacred Gandaki unites with the Bhagirathi—this union is highly praised. All this, O beautiful one, is what I have told you about the greatness of Shalagrama. The merit that is especially dear to devotees of Bhagavan, as described previously, is the highest of all merits and the greatest of all austerities. Among all possible gains, there is none greater—nothing surpasses this. Yet, this knowledge should not be given to the unworthy or to those who do not know how to serve with devotion. Those who are free from greed, delusion, and pride, whose minds are steadfast in virtue—such souls uplift not only themselves, but also seven generations of their paternal, maternal, and marital families. If one seeks the highest attainment, that person shall reach my own world. This, O great goddess, is what I have revealed to you. Tell me, what else do you wish to hear? Thus concludes the one hundred forty-fifth chapter, entitled “The Greatness of the Śālagrāma Field,” in the divine scripture, the Śrī Varāha Purāṇa. Now, let me tell you of the greatness of Hṛṣīkeśa at Ruru Kṣetra. Having heard the secret and mighty glory of Śālagrāma, the Earth herself spoke: “O greatly fortunate one, hearing this, I am freed from all distress. You have spoken of Ruruṣaṇḍa, that place you have supremely worshipped. That supreme field, O Hṛṣīkeśa, is a refuge you have taken by that name.” Śrī Varāha replied: In the illustrious lineage of Bhṛgu, there was born one who had mastered the Vedas and all their branches. He was skilled in the sciences of sacrifice, steadfast in his vows, and ever hospitable to guests. His ashrama was surrounded by peaceful herds of deer, and the land was rich in roots, bulbs, and fruits—a place of serenity and abundance.