In the ancient times described in the Varaha Purana, there was a moment when a great being stood alone, perceiving neither the pairs of opposites nor any other existence apart from himself. He gazed upon the earth, which was entirely enveloped in a radiant effulgence, and with his senses completely restrained, he saw nothing outside himself. Yet, in that very place, the Earth herself—divine and resplendent—stood manifest before his eyes. She revealed herself in her full glory, and there, the Lord became known as Hṛṣīkeśa, firmly established in that sacred spot. When the being saw her standing before him, he bowed down with joined palms, overwhelmed by her presence. As the Lord beheld her, the Earth goddess’s body thrilled with joy, her form glowing like the tender buds of the kadamba tree. Then, Hṛṣīkeśa spoke gently to her, “O young maiden with wide eyes, I am pleased with your austerity. I grant you even that which is rarely given, something exceedingly difficult for others to obtain.” The goddess, filled with devotion, praised the Lord of gods with hands joined in reverence. Moved by her devotion, the Lord said, “I grant you a boon that is difficult to obtain, for I am truly satisfied by your austerity.” The goddess replied, “If you are pleased, O Lord of gods, then make me pure.” The blessed Lord spoke to her again, “By your name, this sacred place will become renowned. By merely seeing me here, one becomes purified—there can be no doubt in my words. Those who come here with impure intentions will quickly meet their end—of this there is no doubt.” In time, by the Lord’s blessing, the goddess herself became a tīrtha, a sacred place of pilgrimage. Thus was revealed the supreme secret of the origin of Ruru Kṣetra, a place sanctified by her presence and the Lord’s grace. This concludes the chapter entitled “The Glory of Ruru-kshetra and Rishikesh” in the divine scripture of the Shri Varaha Purana. Now, listen to the greatness of another wondrous event—the departure of the cow—which also originated from the sacred Ruru-kshetra. There is another supreme secret, a field of utmost purity, known as “the departure of the cow,” nestled among the snowy peaks and rocky heights. It was here that, for seventy kalpas, the sage Aurva, lord of creatures, resided in profound meditation. Aurva remained there for a vast expanse of time, indifferent to gain or loss, seeking no boon for himself. After ages had passed, a sage named Brahmayati arrived at that place, and the Lord himself also approached. There, Aurva practiced his austerities with unwavering equanimity. When the ascetics learned that Aurva had departed, the place blossomed with fruits and flowers, and prosperity arose. Yet, by the immense energy of Rudra, the entire area was reduced to ashes. The Lord then quickly made his way to the Himalaya, and Aurva, the foremost of sages, returned to his hermitage. Upon seeing his beloved hermitage burned—its flowers, fruits, and waters gone—Aurva’s eyes blazed with anger, and he spoke words that scorched like fire. Afflicted by suffering, he wandered among the worlds, and such was the terror he inspired that none could restrain him. The whole world was scorched by a great burning, and even Śambhu was moved to speak to the goddess. The entire world was being consumed by fire, yet Aurva, lost in his suffering, desired nothing at all. Such are the sacred tales of Ruru-kshetra and the departure of the cow, revealing the profound mysteries and the transformative power of devotion, austerity, and the divine will.