After countless births devoted to worshipping the Lord who bears the bull-banner, the seeker’s heart becomes purified, and their sins are dispelled. When the Lord is worshipped with sincerity and reverence, all stains of wrongdoing are washed away. By worshipping Me in this manner, one attains the supreme abode of Viṣṇu, that highest and most sacred realm. O beloved, whether the Lord is remembered in thought, praised in words, seen with the eyes, or even merely touched, the effect is profound. Knowing this, the wise make it their purpose to worship Janārdana, the sustainer of all. Yama himself declared: those who worship the Lord of the universe according to the prescribed way are ultimately absorbed in Him, their individual selves merging into the divine. For such souls, the world as it is known ceases to exist; they journey to that supreme abode. These awakened ones—the truly wise—reach the highest state. O best of the twice-born, what I have spoken is indeed the truth. O most fortunate one, I have explained to you everything you sought. All that you inquired has been summarized and set forth, O lover of righteousness. Thus concludes the two hundred and eleventh chapter, entitled “Description of the Means for Destroying Sin,” in the glorious Varaha Purana. Now begins the account of the wheel of worldly existence and the description of awakening. “Excellent, excellent!” was exclaimed, O great king, foremost among those who know all dharmas. Because you have stood firmly on the path of righteousness, I am deeply pleased. O king of kings, you have honored me greatly. May blessings be upon you, O great king; remain steadfast and virtuous. Radiant and brilliant like the sun in the sky, the king shone forth. When he departed, after a long time, that king, devoted to dharma, having worshipped Me with proper rites and spoken kindly, fulfilled his duties, O steadfast one. This has been recounted to you, O brahmins, in the presence of that foremost king. Vaiśampāyana continued: Among those assembled were some Vaikhānasa ascetics, others practiced sitting and non-sitting disciplines. Their eyes widened in astonishment as they exclaimed, “Excellent, excellent!” Some were Śālānī ascetics, others lived like pigeons; some gathered grains for sustenance, while others, full of energy, subsisted on wood. There were those who followed various disciplines, some who were self-controlled, some who slept upright, and others who roamed like deer. A few lived only on water, some on air, and others ate only vegetables. Reflecting again and again that there is nothing greater than austerity, they abandoned both righteousness and unrighteousness, remaining steadfast in eternal contemplation. Blameless, they undertook many disciplines out of a sense of duty and fear. Endowed with supreme devotion, the king contemplated only righteousness. Firm in the highest austerity, the righteous-souled one began to reflect deeply. Whoever hears or causes this teaching to be heard will attain all their desires. Thus ends the two hundred and twelfth chapter, named “The Instruction,” in the account of the cycle of worldly existence from the ancient legend, in the glorious Varaha Purana. Now begins the narration of the greatness of Gokarṇeśvara. Long ago, when the gods had been defeated in the great battle with Tāraka, and Indra, having regained his position, was freed from enemies and danger, he sat upon the golden peak of Mount Meru, the king of mountains. There, with mind composed, Indra bowed his head, grasped the feet, and offered deep reverence. Sanatkumāra then spoke: “O most fortunate one, best among those who know the truth, you alone truly know the Purāṇa.” Thus, the sacred teachings flowed from the divine, guiding the wise towards awakening, devotion, and the supreme abode.