O Earth, listen to the wondrous glories of Mathura and its sacred places. In the holy regions known as Gartteshvara and Bhutesha, there are two crores of sacred sites, each radiating sanctity. Know this, O Earth: whatever divine form appears among the people of Mathura, that is truly my own form as well. Now, hear what befell the great-souled Garuda. Once, in Mathura, Garuda could not perceive the deity in a distinct form, no matter how he tried. Undeterred, the mighty bird went directly before the deity and, with deep devotion, offered his praises: “Victory to you, O Keshava, Lord! Victory to you, Krishna! Salutations to you! Victory to you, O Embodied One! Victory to you, O Inconceivable! Victory to you, Ornament of the worlds!” Moved by such heartfelt devotion, the deity manifested bodily before Garuda. The Lord spoke kindly, asking, “What shall I do for you? Is it your hymn, or is there something else you desire of me?” Garuda replied, “O Lord, though I have come to your presence, I have not beheld your true form. Indeed, only the people of Mathura, along with the world, have seen your form. Therefore, O Lord of gods, I offer this praise, yearning for your favor.” The Lord responded gently, “O bird, whatever form is found among the people of Mathura, that is my form as well. But know, O twice-born, that sinners do not behold my form in Mathura.” Hearing this, even Garuda took his leave and departed as he wished. The Lord continued, “By merely being worshipped by the people of Mathura, I am always pleased. Even an insect, a moth, or any creature born in an animal womb—whoever beholds Padmanabha on the twelfth day of Ashvina, or who, after fasting on the eleventh day, remains pure and composed, and bathes on the bright twelfth day of Chaitra—such a one is liberated, without doubt. “O goddess, by seeing Mahavidyeshvari here, one is freed even from the sin of killing a Brahmin. Whoever bathes at this sacred place is not afflicted by the malefic influences of the planets. Beholding Vishranti, the long Vishnu, Keshava—during recitation, ritual, or meditation, when observed properly and constantly as prescribed by Brahma—bestows immense merit.” Thus concludes the seventy-ninth chapter of the ancient Varaha Purana, extolling the greatness of Mathura. Now, O Earth, hear of another event that took place in Mathura, concerning the great-souled Gokarna. His wife was Suśīlā, a woman adorned with virtues. Yet, despite her goodness, she lamented in solitude, her heart heavy with sorrow, for she had no children. One day, as she sat dejected at the root of a tree, a compassionate sage was seated nearby. Seeing her distress, the sage, moved by kindness, gently addressed her. Hearing his words, Suśīlā poured out her grief: “O sage, I am unfortunate, for I do not know the happiness that comes with having children.” The sage replied with assurance, “By the grace of the goddess, you shall have a son.” Hearing this, the beautiful-hipped Suśīlā bowed down to the sage and earnestly sought his favor. Gokarna, her husband, also heard these words and was filled with joy, agreeing with the sage’s blessing. Together, at the confluence of the Sarasvati, the couple bathed and worshipped Gokarna with devotion. Ten years passed as they persevered in their prayers and rituals, longing for a child. At last, the gods’ grace was bestowed, and it was proclaimed, “You two shall have a son, endowed with beauty and virtues. By the gods’ favor, the words spoken shall indeed come to pass.