In the sacred Varāha Purāṇa, the glory of Mathurā is extolled, revealing the profound power of its holy sites and the greatness of brāhmaṇas. It is said that a man who transgresses, particularly one who delights in others’ wives and whose senses are uncontrolled, must stand for a thousand ages on one foot, bearing the weight of his actions. Yet, those who offer alms and gifts, departing this life free from anger, attain merit equal to what a thousand great-souled brāhmaṇas might gain elsewhere. Within Mathurā, where one is called Māthura if lacking the Ṛgveda, and another is versed in all four Vedas, all sacred places and holy abodes are present. One should always worship Mathurā, even if the four Vedas are abandoned, for the residents there are blessed to behold the worlds and the four-armed Lord. The wise perceive these wonders, while the ignorant do not. Thus concludes the chapter named ‘The Greatness of Brāhmaṇas’ in the Śrī Varāha Purāṇa, within the section on Mathurā’s glory and the account of the wells’ power. Then, the Earth, eager for knowledge, addressed Śrī Varāha: “This place is known as Asikuṇḍa; please tell me about it, Lord.” Śrī Varāha replied, recounting a tale from ancient times. Once, a king journeyed to heaven for the sake of pilgrimage, leaving his son to rule the kingdom. During the son’s reign, the sage Nārada arrived. After accepting hospitality, Nārada spoke to the young king, delivering messages on behalf of his departed father, and then vanished. The ministers, upon learning of the king’s death, heard Nārada speak of the father’s freedom from debt. A thought arose among them: “Let us go to the city of Mathurā, where all sacred places and holy sites are gathered.” They realized they could not confront the terrible Vimatī directly. The holy places themselves had gone to Kalpagrāma, and as long as the king observed the front, they remained nearby. They invoked victory to Viṣṇu, to the inconceivable Lord, to Acyuta, to the Lord of the universe and creation. The Earth, praised by the holy places, spoke: “Choose a boon, may good fortune be yours—whatever is in your mind. O Varāha, O Lord of gods, if you are able, grant us fearlessness.” The Earth explained that a terrible fear had arisen, caused by the extremely sinful Vimatī. Śrī Varāha replied: “By the arrangement of the holy places, I came to the city of Mathurā. When I arrived, O Earth, I fought with Vimatī, slew him, and placed his head upon the ground. Lifting up the earth with the tip of my sword, O beautiful one, the place became known as Asikuṇḍa.” Śrī Varāha promised to reveal a wondrous tale, pleasing to mind and ear. On the twelfth and fourteenth days, those who are faithful and self-controlled are especially blessed. At that time, O Devi, I arrived in Mathurā and established four kinds of golden images there. Whoever beholds these images—firm, beautiful, with lovely brows—is liberated. The third image is of Vāmana, and the fourth is of Rāghava. By Rāghava, the earth bounded by the four oceans was surely traversed. Among all the sacred places in Mathurā, Asikuṇḍa is the greatest. Beginning from Asikuṇḍa, the sequence of holy sites is recounted. Whoever beholds those images there becomes fit for union with Brahman. Thus, the tale unfolds, revealing the sanctity of Mathurā, the greatness of Asikuṇḍa, and the boundless blessings bestowed upon those who seek, worship, and behold the divine within this sacred city.