Śrī Varāha, the divine boar incarnation, spoke of the profound merit gained by circumambulating sacred places according to the prescribed path. He explained that the proper measure of yojanas—those ancient units of distance—must be carefully observed when circumambulating the earth itself. This practice, he said, has been sanctified by the presence of gods, the stars above, and the holy sites established by the great ones: Brahmā, Lomaśa, Nārada, and the steadfast Dhruva. Not only have these places been traversed by the gods, but the earth, with all its oceans and forests, has been measured and honored by their steps. Even Sugrīva, the great-souled vanara, wandered these lands, as did perfected yogis like Mārkaṇḍeya and others. Beings of lesser strength and intelligence, too, have made these pilgrimages, each according to their capacity. Śrī Varāha declared that whatever merit arises from journeying to the holy places across the seven continents, all that and more is found in the circumambulation of Mathurā. Whoever reaches Mathurā and performs this sacred circuit reaps the fruit of countless pilgrimages. Therefore, he urged, with all effort, those who desire the fulfillment of their wishes should undertake this holy act. At this, the Earth herself spoke, asking Varāha to reveal in order the proper method and the full fruit of circumambulation. Śrī Varāha replied that this teaching had been declared before, just as she now requested. He recounted that, having heard the supreme accounts of holy places as told in all the Purāṇas, the merit gained among all the gods and at all sacred waters is surpassed a hundredfold by the fruit obtained in Mathurā. After these words, the assembled sages, having offered their respects to the self-born one, departed. Accompanied by Dhruva, they traveled as they wished. The blessing was clear: by performing the circumambulation of Mathurā, one is freed from all sins. Thus concludes the one hundred fifty-ninth chapter, known as "The Circumambulation of Mathurā," in the section praising Mathurā's greatness within the glorious Varaha Purana. Now begins the account of how this sacred circumambulation is manifested. On the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Karttika, a pilgrim should arrive in Mathurā. There, he should visit the place of rest and behold the long form of Lord Vishnu, known as Keshava. With a heart devoted to fasting—taking only pure and modest food, or perhaps fasting completely—he should observe celibacy that night, having made a firm resolve in his mind. He prepares sesame, rice, and sacred grass, offerings meant for both ancestors and gods. In the same manner as Dhruva and other sages before him, he sets out with these items, his devotion and faith unwavering, and performs the sacred circumambulation. Keeping vigil through the night, the pilgrim remains disciplined and pure. On the ninth day, before the sun rises, he begins his journey. He washes his feet, rinses his mouth, and first offers worship to Hanuman, the bestower of success and accomplishment on all journeys. Just as Hanuman ensured the success of Rama’s quest, the pilgrim respectfully informs Dhanumant, the lord of the hosts, of his undertaking. He then approaches Padmanabha—long-bodied Vishnu, the remover of fear—and offers his salutations. He visits the goddess Vasumati, the unconquered one, and then the deity who dwells in Kamsa’s abode, followed by Ugrasena’s Carcika. He pays homage to the mothers of the gods, who are revered by all deities and bestow victory. Throughout this sacred journey, the pilgrim proceeds in silence and with a vow, not speaking until he reaches the southern corner. There, he bows and continues to Ikshuvasa, the goddess well-worshipped by Krishna. All these holy places—established by the great sages—are renowned for their power to remove all sins: Arkasthala, Virasthala, and then Kushasthala. Thus, the circumambulation of Mathurā is revealed—a path sanctified by gods and sages, offering inexhaustible merit to all who walk it with devotion and faith.