In that sacred discourse, it was declared that sacrifice, austerity, charity, offerings to the ancestors, and the worship of one’s chosen deity—all these acts—are blessed. And yet, beyond these, a profound forgiveness was offered: all offenses committed against the Earth were entirely absolved. This place, it was proclaimed, is the very confluence of divine rivers, a meeting point of sanctity. Within this great and hallowed region, the speaker stood upon the earth, facing east, ready to reveal deeper truths. “Listen, O Earth,” he said, “for there is more I wish to share with you. At my southern side stands Shiva, free from all affliction. O goddess, whoever finds Shiva, surely finds me as well. Indeed, whoever worships Shiva, worships me too. Thus, this region is the embodiment of both Hari and Hara—Vishnu and Shiva united.” He continued to describe the holy geography: first comes the field of liberation, followed by the region known as Ruru. The sacred territory stretches as far as the confluence with the Gandaki river. Where the holy Bhagirathi joins the Ganga, there is immense merit. The union of the Gandaki and Bhagirathi is especially praised, and this, he explained, is the greatness of Shalagrama. The merit dear to Bhagavan’s devotees, as previously described by the goddess, is the highest of all merits, the greatest of all austerities. Among all gains, none surpasses this—there is no higher achievement. Yet, this knowledge and merit should not be bestowed upon the unworthy or those who do not know how to serve. Only those free from greed, delusion, pride, and similar faults, whose minds are virtuous, are worthy. Such persons uplift their families—seven generations of their father’s line, seven of their mother’s, and seven by marriage. Whoever seeks the highest attainment reaches my world.” Thus, he concluded his teaching: “This, O great goddess, is what I have told you. What more do you wish to hear?” And so ended the chapter on the greatness of the Śālagrāma field in the divine Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the account 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 has freed me from all distress. Tell me about Ruruṣaṇḍa, so revered by you, that supreme field where you have taken refuge.” Śrī Varāha replied, “In the lineage of Bhṛgu was born a sage who had mastered the Vedas and their branches, skilled in the science of sacrifice, steadfast in vows, and generous to guests. He lived amidst peaceful herds of deer, sustained by roots, bulbs, and fruits, for over ten thousand years. Then Indra, king of the gods, began to take notice. With his senses and mind agitated, Indra spoke sweet words: ‘As I ponder, I see that you alone are the supreme path for me.’ Hearing Indra’s words, the winds of desire stirred. ‘Whose mind, even if self-controlled, can we not disturb?’ they thought. ‘With your permission, speak quickly and be happy.’ At that moment, my anxiety vanished upon seeing you. The sage, devoted to Hṛṣīkeśa, was residing on the beautiful snowy mountain. Surely, desiring to seize my position, you should turn back from this austerity.” Then, led by Kāma, the god of desire, they resolved to set out. Thus unfolds the sacred narrative, revealing the profound merit of these holy regions and the timeless interplay of gods, sages, and the Earth herself.