Listen now to a most secret and sacred tale, as spoken by Shri Varaha. There exists, upon the snowy summits and rocky heights of the Himalayas, a supremely pure field, known as the “Departure of the Cow”—so named because it was there the cows were once led away. In this holy place, for seventy kalpas, the great sage Aurva, lord of creatures, dwelled in profound austerity, untouched by desires for gain or loss, seeking no boon, and remaining indifferent to the fruits of action. As countless ages passed in this manner, a certain sage named Brahmayati arrived at that very spot. The Lord himself also came to that place, where Aurva continued his severe penances with unwavering equanimity. In time, word spread among the ascetics that Aurva had departed, and the hermitage became abundant with fruits, flowers, and prosperity. Yet, by the fierce energy of the great Rudra, that flourishing place was suddenly reduced to ashes. The Lord hastened to the Himalayas, and Aurva, the foremost of sages, returned to his hermitage. Upon seeing his beloved home burned to the ground—its flowers, fruits, and waters all destroyed—Aurva’s eyes blazed red with anger. In his anguish, he spoke words so fierce they seemed to scorch the air itself. Overwhelmed by suffering, he declared that he would wander through all the worlds, unable to find peace. Such terror filled the universe that no one could restrain him. As the world was consumed by this great burning, Śambhu spoke to the goddess, though he himself remained untouched by desire. In my wrath, I gazed upon the ruined hermitage, and, tormented by suffering and anger, Virūpākṣa wandered endlessly, never finding rest. Afflicted by the fire, I too was rendered immobile. Then, seeking relief, we resolved: “Let us go, as he has said, to the place where happiness may be found. Let us approach Rudra and pray that this curse be lifted.” Aurva affirmed, “Never have I spoken untruth; Rudra’s curse can only be removed by the proper means, and not otherwise.” Know, O auspicious one, that seventy-seven mighty Saurabheyas are connected with this tale. This place is rightly called the “Departure of the Cow,” a tirtha most sacred and supreme. Those who attain Goloka there rejoice without doubt, honored in my world, bearing conch, discus, and mace. There, one who has fasted for five nights and performs ritual bathing achieves a most difficult feat, and relinquishing life at that place, attains the highest state. Within this field is a place called Pañcapada, which is my supreme abode. Facing east are two seats of Brahman, and above them, to the height of a lotus-stalk, is my own seat of Vishnu. Pure souls, beloved of the Lord’s devotees, reach these exalted worlds. Freed from all worldly existence, they attain my world. And where a single stream falls toward the west, there too lies the entrance to this supreme mystery.