In that sacred region, it was prescribed that a man should bathe after residing there for six days. Having thus purified himself and performed the Cāndrāyaṇa rite, he would become pure, and then, if he relinquished his life at that place, he would attain supreme merit. This holy site is known as Umā’s pool, which is declared to be the highest of my fields. Here, too, a man should bathe after dwelling for ten nights, and then, having stayed for those ten nights, if he gives up his life, he attains great blessedness. This is the pool of Maheśvara, the very place where Umā was led in marriage. Three sacred streams descend here, flowing down from the heights of the Himalayas. At this confluence, one who has observed a twelve-day vow should immerse himself in those holy waters. Then, having performed such a difficult act, if one relinquishes life at this place, he is supremely blessed. This is the renowned Brahma-kunda, the very spot where the Vedas themselves were born. From the east, an auspicious stream of equal measure pours in. On the northern side, there is another stream, its waters shining like gold. To the west, a stream associated with the Yajur Veda flows, while another falls here, glowing with the color of the indragopa insect—a vivid red. Those who depart from this world at this holy site ascend to the world of Brahma and rejoice there in the company of Brahma himself. Indeed, there is no doubt that a mortal who desires success should journey to this place. For such a person, all actions are rendered complete, even if he simply remains there. Yet, the purest of the pure should not be bestowed upon just anyone, for this is a place of great sanctity. Ten generations of both paternal and maternal ancestors are liberated by the merit gained here. And if one seeks the highest attainment—the final release from worldly existence—then this, O lotus-eyed one, is the secret and most potent path. Such is the greatness of Lohargala, as revealed in the holy Varaha Purana. Now begins the praise of the sacred city of Mathurā. Having heard of the greatness of the Lord, the residents of Lohargala were filled with awe. Then the Earth herself spoke, saying, “By your grace, O Lord of gods, I have heard this most powerful scripture. I am your disciple and servant, and I have come to you for refuge. By your favor, O Lord, I have become radiant like gold. For you, the creator of the world, there is no fatigue in establishing the laws of the universe. Having accomplished this, O Lord, my heart is filled with joy. Please tell me, then, of that auspicious and most excellent of holy places.” Śrī Varāha replied, “O Earth, know that Mathurā is equally dear to me.” Sūta then narrated that, bowing her head, the goddess once more addressed Varāha, asking, “Why, O greatly fortunate one, do you praise Mathurā above all these other holy places?” Śrī Varāha answered, “Mathurā is renowned by that very name, and for me, there is nothing higher. It is beautiful, praiseworthy, and it is also my own birthplace. Anyone who dwells in Mathurā attains liberation—there can be no doubt about this. O goddess, one can obtain that supreme result in Mathurā day by day, or even in a single moment. One who has mastered the senses attains that result here as well. Though deluded by my own divine illusion, the ignorant soul may wander in worldly existence, yet even if the glory of Mathurā is spoken by another, one is always freed from sins.