In ancient times, there was a grove where the trees flourished with pleasing forms and beautiful limbs. They were lovingly devoted to the growth of flowers, adorning the earth with their fragrance and color. Yet, their beauty was not spared from affliction; royal officials came, cutting and uprooting them, causing great suffering. Bereft of their garlands and blossoms, only roots and trunks remained, a shadow of their former glory. Within this grove, the deity was present—a stone, enclosed in a lump of clay or brick, quietly sanctifying the place. There was also a water-filled vessel, meritorious in its own right, serving as irrigation for the grove, sustaining what remained of its life. Fruit-bearing trees stood alongside trees of gold, and it was said that if these were destroyed, the deformity and loss seen here would not arise elsewhere. Gokarna, moved by the plight of the grove, asked, "Tell me, what is the meritorious result of making well-deities here?" Jyeshtha replied, "By sacrifice, one attains heaven; by charitable works, one attains liberation. Reservoirs, wells, ponds, and shrines of the deities—all these are praised. The worlds obtained by giving land and cows are celebrated." He went on to enumerate: "One peepal, one pichumanda, one banyan, and ten kinds of flowering trees—just as a good son uplifts the family, so too, with great effort and discipline, do these trees uplift the world." Gokarna reflected, "By providing shade and rest for travelers, and shelter for birds, these trees serve many." Their leaves, roots, and bark offer medicine to living beings; their wood is used for household purposes, and they become homes for small creatures. Twice a year, they bear fruit, enjoyed by birds and others. Those who understand reality see the planting of sons reflected in the nurturing of such trees. Sri Varaha, witnessing the devastation of the sacred grove, cried out in anguish, "Alas! How terrible!" Overcome, he fell unconscious. His companions consoled him, gently sprinkling water until the wise one regained consciousness. Gokarna then spoke, "In Mathura, that garden and temple belong to me. If I go there, may it be in the presence of the king of the ancestors." The eldest replied, "I will take you, if it pleases you, O sinless one." Quickly, they mounted a vehicle shaped like a celestial chariot. "Take this gift for the king," he was advised, "you must give him something priceless." Rising from that place, Gokarna went to where the king was stationed. The king, pleased simply to see him, welcomed him warmly, seating him with affection on half the throne, as a giver of jewels or wealth would do. "I will show you something wonderful and tell you about it, O sir," the king said. "As the army moves in half a moment, so you must do likewise." Gokarna did everything just as the king had spoken. The people praised Gokarna again and again, saying, "Well done! Well done!" Gokarna then reported all that had transpired to the king, who was delighted. In gratitude, the king gifted him villages and old cities. Thus, the supreme wonder was revealed—the great fruit of the dharma of the sacred grove. This concludes the one hundred and seventy-second chapter in the Glorious Varaha Purana, in the section on the greatness of Gokarna. Sri Varaha continued: Gokarna honored the four—Shuka, his parents, and his virtuous wife. He worshipped them according to his means and capacity. He himself performed a great sacrifice there, seeking unobstructed success. Songs and instruments filled the air, and auspicious rites were conducted for the growth of his son. Gokarna embraced each one and bowed to them in proper order. Seeing the parrot, Shuka, in his heart, the merchant wept, overwhelmed with emotion.