Fasting for five days and undergoing purification with the five sacred products of the cow were prescribed as powerful means of atonement. In times when flowers were not available, worship, bathing, and touching the deity were recommended to fulfill one's duties. For the serious offense of drinking liquor, four cāndrāyaṇa penances were enjoined upon twice-born men. Purification could also be achieved through the brahmakūrcca rite or by the generous act of giving three cows. Moreover, reciting a hymn to Viṣṇu was said to free one from offenses. These teachings were spoken repeatedly by the god of gods, Janārdana, and at one point, a goddess, regaining her awareness, addressed him. She observed that people had always performed various acts of atonement and asked if there was a means by which the Lord could be truly pleased with humanity. Śrī Varāha replied that one who had fasted and bathed in the sacred Gaṅgā would indeed attain purification. Even so, in Mathurā, one remained pure despite any offense, and was freed from the sins of a thousand lifetimes. By hearing about, reflecting upon, and seeing Mathurā, sin would depart; both Mathurā and the Boar incarnation were especially dear to the goddess. She then asked the Lord to declare truly which was superior, and to reveal the holiest places and lakes upon earth. Varāha continued, saying that those devoted to his nature always praised Kubjāmra. On a single day in Mārgaśīrṣa, on the twelfth lunar day sacred to Viṣṇu, his Māthura region was a merit more secret than the most secret. Visiting all the holy places, including Kubjāmra and others, continually brought great merit. From resting comes repose, and thus, he bore the name 'Varāha.' Of all destinations, Mathurā was the supreme goal. Without Sāṃkhya or Yoga, one could attain liberation there—there was no doubt. Mathurā granted liberation to one who gave up life there; there was no holy place like Mathurā, nor any god greater than Keśava. Thus concluded the one hundred and seventy-ninth chapter, called "The Greatness of Atonement for Offenses," in the Mathurā-māhātmya of the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Then Śrī Varāha spoke again: "Listen, O Earth, to what happened long ago at Dhruva-tīrtha. In this very city, there was once a king, righteous and steadfast in truth. He had two hundred wives, all of noble family, character, and age. Among them was Candraprabhā, heroic herself and mother of heroic sons. However, her companions did not follow the conduct prescribed for wives. Because of their own faults, all of them had fallen toward hell. At some time, a great being among living creatures also fell from there. Taking on dark forms, resembling the shape of mosquitoes, they moved about. In a moment of delusion, no vow or recitation was performed, and a fourth part of the day still remained. Others arrived from the eastern and western directions, as well as from the south. Joyful, satisfied, and with well-nourished bodies, they went in groups to the heavens. Adorned with garments and ornaments, with strong bodies and delight, they traveled together. Others departed as they had come and returned again. They gathered, departed, and arrived, wishing blessings with joy. Some, with slender bodies and sunken bellies, went honored with fine palanquins. Witnessing this great festival, the sage rose up in amazement.