The goddesses, moved by compassion, instructed, “Give to Gokarṇa that by which he will be satisfied for three months.” Having ensured this was done, they reassured him, saying, “May you be free from fear; do not grieve.” With these words, the goddesses departed. Yet, their kindness did not end there—they returned each day in the same manner, bringing comfort and support. Then, a favorable wind arose, and the boat lifted, gliding smoothly along. With it came treasures: many jewels of great value and numerous other precious things were brought forth. But when they searched for Gokarṇa, he was nowhere to be found. In their distress, they cried out, “Overcome by shame, he has surely sunk down into the abode of the makaras.” They resolved, “We shall give each his proper share of the jewels, the highest portion.” Meanwhile, Gokarṇa, dwelling alone on the island, was overwhelmed with sorrow. In his confusion, he failed to recite the mantra correctly, and the parrot, his companion, reported this to Gokarṇa’s father. The parrot explained, “I have gone to Mathurā; on the way, at the ocean covered with water— I must certainly go; let permission be granted.” Gokarṇa’s father replied, “Go, my son, to Mathurā and observe my present condition.” The parrot responded, “So be it,” and, as the best of birds, boarded the boat. When news spread that Gokarṇa was in dire straits and had died, the people took it to heart. They pleaded with the parrot, “O bird, for the sake of our survival, you must act.” Through the parrot’s conversation and wisdom—kept within its cage—hope was rekindled. Then, a caravan arrived, laden with jewels as abundant as the ocean itself. All twenty of them, each accompanied by companions from the sea, gathered together. Gokarṇa honored and pleased them all, sending them off with respect, and they returned home. Out of gratitude, they served that merchant just as they would their own father. Thus concludes the one hundred seventy-first chapter in the glorious Varaha Purana, within the divine scripture, describing the greatness of Gokarṇa. Sri Varaha continued: On the first day, as was the duty, so too on the thirteenth day, the goddesses performed their rituals. Over time, these goddesses became skilled in dance and song. Gokarṇa, enthralled by their company, forgot all thoughts of his home. But then, a change befell the goddesses. Their faces became pale and dejected, their ornaments and garments broken. Their bodies appeared deformed, covered in wounds and flowing with blood. Gokarṇa saw their suffering and realized: for one without a son, there is no path, nor heaven, nor anything else. Understanding something was terribly wrong, Gokarṇa asked them about the cause of their altered appearance. The goddesses replied, “That Lord is time itself, by whom good deeds are enjoyed. He alone, as eternal time, kept asking that question and its answer.” Seeking certainty, Gokarṇa bowed before them again and pleaded, “If you reveal the disfigurement of my suffering, though it is meant to be kept secret—” One among the goddesses spoke gently, “Listen, child, I will tell you how this disfigurement came about. There is the delightful city of Madhu, which grants liberation to men. He went there with devotion, observing the holy rites of the four months. The city had splendid pleasure gardens, encircled by excellent walls. Within them stood fruitful trees, charming in every season. But alas, all the pleasure gardens with their fruitful trees were destroyed by the servants.” Thus, the goddesses revealed the cause of their suffering, and the story of Gokarṇa’s trials and the mysterious fate of the pleasure gardens unfolded.