If, during the sacred act of circumambulation, another person happens to touch the devotee, the sanctity of the act remains, for the glory of Mathura is beyond compare. When one journeys to Mathura and beholds the self-born deity, a profound blessing is bestowed. O Earth, know that before this self-manifested Lord, there lies a well of pure, clear water. This well is famed as Catuḥsāmudrika, renowned throughout the three worlds. It is said that whoever surrenders their final breath at this holy site attains my own divine abode. Thus concludes the one hundred and fifty-eighth chapter, named "The Glory of the Mathura Tirtha," in the Mathura Mahatmya of the glorious Varaha Purana. Now, having heard repeatedly of the circumambulation of Mathura and the rites connected with it, as well as the extensive virtues of its sacred places, a question arises: Is there any other means, O Hari, by which the supreme result of such a pilgrimage may be attained—one that cannot be matched by gifts, austerities, or sacrifices? Even the journey to holy places at the four corners of the earth does not yield such merit. What, then, is the proper way to accomplish this? To this, Śrī Varāha replied: By circumambulating Mathura according to the prescribed path, measuring the auspicious distance, one fulfills the rite. The correct measure of yojanas must be observed in the circumambulation of the earth, as established by the gods, the sacred places, and the stars above. This path has been traversed by Brahmā, Lomaśa, Nārada, and Dhruva; by many gods, by Sugrīva the great-souled wanderer, and by yogis such as Mārkaṇḍeya, as well as by those with little strength or intelligence. Whatever merit arises from journeying to holy places across all the seven continents, all of it is attained by one who, upon reaching Mathura, performs its circumambulation. Therefore, all who desire the fulfillment of their wishes should undertake this with full effort. The Earth then asked, "Tell me, in order, the proper method and the full fruit of circumambulation." Śrī Varāha replied, "This, indeed, was declared in former times, just as you now inquire. Having heard the supreme accounts of the sacred places as told in all the Purāṇas, and knowing the merit gained among the gods and at all the sacred waters, O Brahmins, understand that the fruit obtained here is a hundred times greater." Having spoken thus, the sages, after offering their respects to the self-born Lord, departed together with Dhruva, traveling as they wished. It is declared that by performing the circumambulation of Mathura, one is freed from all sins. Thus ends the one hundred and fifty-ninth chapter, named "The Circumambulation of Mathura," in the section on the greatness of Mathura, in the glorious Varaha Purana. Now, hear of the manifestation of this sacred circumambulation. On the eighth day of the dark half of Karttika, a devotee should arrive at Mathura. There, he should visit the place of rest and behold the long form of Vishnu, known as Keshava. He should engage in fasting, taking only pure and modest food, or observe as he is able, maintaining celibacy that night and making a firm resolve in his heart. With sesame seeds, rice, and sacred grass prepared for the sake of ancestors and gods, and as performed by Dhruva and other sages before him, he should undertake the circumambulation, filled with faith and devotion. Thus, having kept vigil through the night, on the ninth day, pure and disciplined, he should begin the journey before sunrise. After washing his feet and rinsing his mouth, he should first offer his respects to Hanuman, thus commencing the sacred rite.