In the sacred region of Mathurā, there are holy places revered by the cowherds, as well as at Muktikeśvara. These are known as Viśrānti, the places of rest. When a pilgrim arrives, he first worships the gods and ancestors with proper rites, and then propitiates the presiding deity. By the grace and command of the divine, the journey through Mathurā becomes fruitful. After bathing at Viśrānti and offering oblations to the ancestors, the pilgrim proceeds to Sumaṅgalā, seeking the fulfillment of his pilgrimage. He prays for the pilgrimage to be fruitful, invoking the grace of the divine. Having circumambulated the sacred sites, the great ascetic rests there, feeling protected. By establishing a mark with his own name at the site, he attains the fruit of his pilgrimage. After witnessing these holy acts, the pilgrim moves onward to the goddess created by Krishna. Here, in the abode of happiness and the granter of boons, Krishna—whose deeds never tire—resides. At the entrance, the sound is auspicious, especially to the right, signaling favor and blessing. In a moment of fear, Krishna himself meditated upon the goddess Caṇḍikā. Upon seeing her, who removes all suffering, one attains happiness. This goddess was manifested in the north by Krishna for the purpose of slaying Kaṃsa. Then, desiring victory over the wrestlers, Krishna meditated upon Vajrānana. Through devotion, Krishna fulfilled his cherished wishes, receiving the fruit of his desires. He prayed for auspiciousness, the remover of all sins and the bringer of good fortune. That radiant sun, the boon-giving god, is the lord of the Mathurā clan. Thus, on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Kārtika, the pilgrim performs the sacred circumambulation, step by step, in all directions and quarters. Even those burdened by grave sins—slayers of Brahmins, drinkers of liquor, thieves, or breakers of vows—by circumambulating Mathurā, become free from sin. Others, simply by seeing the lord, are purified and freed from disease. All who complete the pilgrimage are freed from every sin and attain the supreme state. So concludes the chapter called "The Manifestation of the Mathurā Circumambulation" in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the account of the greatness of Devavana. Even those who are deluded, who have turned away from righteousness and are devoid of knowledge, through virtuous deeds, escape the torments of hell. Śrī Varāha declares: the goddess who removes the torment of hell, Mathurā, destroys all sin. Those who dwell in Mathurā, and those who serve its holy places, are especially blessed. Among them, those who perform a hundred acts with great vigor are the most fortunate. There are sacred forests to be visited: first is Madhuvana, then Tāla, the fourth is Kāmyakavana, renowned as the foremost among forests. The seventh is Khādira, famous among people, the ninth is Lohārgalavana, remover of transgressions. Bhāṇḍīra is the eleventh, and Vṛndaka is the twelfth forest. Those who undertake the pilgrimage of these forests in order, with subdued senses, receive great merit. Thus ends the chapter called "The Greatness of Devavana" in the Mathurā Māhātmya of the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Now, the greatness of Cakra Tīrtha is proclaimed. Listen, O Earth, as another sacred site is declared: Mahāgṛhodaya, the ornament of Jambūdvīpa.