Vaiśampāyana spoke of the ascetics gathered there, each devoted to their unique paths of austerity. Among them were Vaikhānasa ascetics, steadfast in their rigorous practices, while others engaged in disciplines alternating between sitting and non-sitting. When they witnessed something remarkable, they cried out, “Excellent, excellent!”—their eyes widening in astonishment. Some among them were Śālānī ascetics, following their own traditions, while others lived like pigeons, simple and unassuming. There were those who sustained themselves by gathering grains, and some, endowed with great energy, subsisted on wood alone. Others pursued various disciplines, and some were especially self-controlled. In similar ways, some slept upright, maintaining discipline even in repose, while others wandered freely, like deer in the forest. There were ascetics who lived solely on water, some who subsisted on air, and others who ate only vegetables. Reflecting again and again, they concluded that nothing was higher than austerity. With this conviction, they abandoned both righteousness and unrighteousness, remaining steadfast in eternal contemplation. Blameless, they undertook various disciplines out of fear, seeking purity and liberation. Amidst them, one stood out, endowed with supreme devotion, contemplating only righteousness. Firm in the highest austerity, this righteous-souled one began to reflect deeply. Vaiśampāyana declared that whoever hears or shares this sacred account will attain all desires. Thus concludes the two hundred and twelfth chapter, named “The Instruction,” from the ancient legend describing the cycle of worldly existence, in the glorious Varaha Purana. Now begins the account of the greatness of Gokarṇeśvara. Long ago, after the gods had been defeated in battle by Tāraka, Indra finally regained his position, freed from enemies and danger. On the golden peak of Mount Meru, the king of mountains, Indra sat comfortably, his mind focused and steady, his gaze intent. With his mind composed, Indra bowed his head, grasped the feet, and offered reverence. Sanatkumāra then spoke: “O most fortunate one, best among those who know the truth, you alone know the Purāṇa. O Lord, tell me—where is Gokarṇa to the north and where is it to the south? What is the extent of the sacred field, and what merit lies in the holy waters remembered there? How was it attained again by all the gods, with you at their head? And how, where, and by whom was the proper rite performed there?” Thus addressed, the blessed Brahmā, foremost among knowers of Brahman, replied: “O sage among the knowers of Brahman, this Purāṇa is most secret, just as it was heard. To the north of the pure mountain Mandara, king of mountains, there is a place of adamantine crystal rock, with coral shoots and gravel. Creepers adorned with varied flowers bear clusters of blossoms, and the valleys shine especially, with streams of various minerals. There bloom clusters of ketaki and kunda flowers. The water from springs is pure as split sapphire and washed clean, charming as Indra’s bow, shining like the palace of Kubera. Divine couples play there, and groups of Apsarases dance. The place is adorned with kalhāra flowers, frequented by swans and cranes, surrounded by herds of elephants, and filled with deer and birds. In caves resounding with the songs of Kinnaras and the cries of other creatures, streams of water fall in torrents, sparkling with thousands of flashes. It is a woodland garden, beautiful in every season, adorned with clusters of flowers. Upon that delightful, splendid, and worthy mountain, the sacred events unfolded.