Out of a longing for divine favor, the praise was offered to the Lord of gods. The Lord spoke gently to Garuḍa, saying, “O bird, whatever form is found among the people of Mathura, that too is my form.” Yet, he explained, those who are sinful do not perceive his form in Mathura. Even Garuḍa, after hearing these words, departed from that place as he wished. The Lord declared that by merely being worshipped by the people, he is always pleased. Even an insect, a moth, or one born in the womb of an animal—whoever beholds Padmanabha on the twelfth day of the month of Ashvina, or who fasts on the eleventh day, remaining pure and composed, or who bathes after fasting on the bright twelfth day of Chaitra—such a person attains liberation, without doubt. By seeing Mahavidyeshvari, one is freed from the sin of killing a Brahmin. Whoever bathes there is not afflicted by the influences of the planets. Seeing Vishranti, the long Vishnu, Keshava, during recitation, ritual, or meditation, and properly observing as prescribed by Brahma, brings great benefit. Thus concludes the seventy-ninth chapter of the Varaha Purana, named “The Greatness of Mathura.” Sri Varaha then spoke of a story from earlier times in Mathura, concerning the great soul Gokarna. His wife was named Suśīlā, a woman endowed with many virtues. Yet, she lamented alone, her mind weighed down with sorrow. In that place, at the root of a tree, a certain sage was seated. Moved by compassion, the sage gently spoke to the woman, who was dear to him. Hearing his words, Suśīlā replied, “O sage, I am unfortunate, for I do not know the happiness of having offspring.” The sage assured her, “By the grace of the goddess, you will have a son.” Thus addressed, Suśīlā bowed down before him and sought his favor. Gokarna, hearing these words and filled with joy, affirmed, “O lady, my opinion is the same as the sage’s.” Together, at the confluence of the Sarasvati, they bathed and worshipped Gokarna, seeking the blessing of a child. Ten years passed in their pursuit of a son. Finally, it was declared, “You two shall have a son, endowed with beauty and virtues. By the grace of the gods, what was spoken shall come to pass.” At dawn, Gokarna gave endless wealth to the Lord of gods. Then, in his virtuous wife, conception occurred, and in the tenth month, she gave birth to a boy radiant as the moon. Gokarna gave a thousand cows, along with gold and garments, in gratitude. He performed the birth rites and the naming ceremony, followed by the feeding of solid food, the tonsure, and the sacred thread ceremony. He continued to give gifts and worship the goddess. When the boy reached youth, Gokarna, still childless, saw his wives endowed with youth, beauty, virtue, and lovely eyes. For the sake of the people and service to the gods, he began to practice righteousness. There were water-pavilions, daily food, meals, and means of livelihood provided, marking his devotion and generosity.