Then, having listened to the words spoken by the Earth, Viṣṇu—the lotus-eyed Lord—responded with compassion and wisdom. Śrī Varāha, the divine Boar, addressed the Earth and said, “To the north of the vast ocean and to the south of the Malaya mountains, there is a sacred place where I reside, established and facing the northern direction. “O Earth, some speak of this place as being made of iron, others say it is formed of copper, while still others declare it to be of stone—each describing its wondrous and marvelous form. It is there that humans, having crossed the ocean of worldly existence, find liberation. “At the very height of midday, when the sun shines at its zenith, a golden lotus is seen blooming there. Listen further to this marvel: whatever turns around at that place, though it stands in the midst of the ocean, remains unseen by ordinary eyes. Yet, my devotees—those present through their own righteous actions—are able to perceive it. “If any wrongdoer were to cast a lump into its midst, no one would retrieve it until it is consumed by that very person. This place is unfathomable and boundless, adorned with radiant red lotuses. One who reaches the abode of Budha (the planet Mercury) rejoices without doubt, and leaving Budha’s abode, attains my own world. “Humans who are not devoted to my works cannot see this place. It is enchanting, delightful, and covered with lotuses. There, a single white lotus is seen, as well as one fashioned from gold. A unique stream descends, thick as a pestle. Reaching the world of Brahma, one finds great joy—of this there is no doubt. Sanctioned by Brahma, such a soul also attains my own realm. “My devoted followers, beholding the liberation from the terrible cycle of worldly existence, witness a wondrous event: at midday, as long as the sun remains, the lotus falls to the earth. Thus, a great wonder is present at that sacred lake of Brahma. “There, O beautiful-limbed one, the ocean and Rama will meet. The area is abundant with many bushes and creepers, and is adorned by birds. It is further beautified by kumuda and lotus flowers, spreading their finest fragrances. “Those who journey to the abode of the ocean ultimately attain my realm. Upon seeing this sacred place, people wander there, all their afflictions gone. Yet, not even one among men sees any dwelling there on earth, and even one who has entered cannot discern the path or opening. “To the east, not far from the side—at a distance of half a yojana—streams fall, O auspicious one, and the waters are crystal clear. One who reaches this place attains the highest worlds of the four guardians of the directions, and leaving behind the guardians, delights in my worlds. “On earth, with the company of my pure devotees, there is liberation from all worldly existence. The waters of this place neither increase nor decrease. One hears the sound of singing—enchanting to the ear and pleasing to the mind. “There too will be the hermitage of Rāma, the son of Jamadagni. Placing the Śālmalī tree before him, he remains there, facing north.” Thus spoke Śrī Varāha, describing the sacred and mysterious abode where liberation and divine delight await the devoted.