Endowed with supreme devotion, he fixed his mind solely upon righteousness, contemplating nothing else. Resolute in the highest austerity, this righteous-souled one pondered deeply, seeking the path of virtue. It is said that whoever listens to or recites this account, or causes it to be heard by others, attains all their desires. Thus concludes the two hundred and twelfth chapter, named ‘The Instruction,’ within the ancient legend recounting the cycle of worldly existence, as told in the glorious Varaha Purana. Now begins the narration of the greatness of Gokarṇeśvara. Long ago, after the gods had been defeated in battle by the mighty Tāraka, and Indra had at last regained his sovereignty, freed from all enemies and dangers, he sat upon the golden peak of Mount Meru, the king of mountains. There, with his mind collected and steady, Indra rested comfortably, his thoughts unwavering and gaze intent. Composed and reverent, Indra bowed his head low, grasped the feet in humility, and offered his homage. At that time, Sanatkumāra approached and addressed him, saying, “O most fortunate one, best among those who know the truth, you alone possess the full knowledge of the Purāṇa. O Lord, tell me: How is Gokarṇa to the north, and how is it to the south? What is the extent of that sacred field, and what merit arises from remembering the holy waters found there? How did you and all the gods regain it? And how, where, and by whom was the proper rite performed there?” Thus addressed, the blessed Brahmā, foremost among those who know Brahman, replied, “O sage among the knowers of Brahman, this Purāṇa is most secret, and I shall recount it just as it was heard. To the north of the pure mountain Mandara, king of mountains, there lies a wondrous place. Its rocks are like adamantine crystal, with coral shoots and sparkling gravel. Creepers adorned with many-hued flowers hang in clusters, filling the air with fragrance. The valleys shine especially bright, with streams rich in various minerals. Clusters of ketaki and kunda flowers bloom there, and water from pure springs—clear as split sapphire and freshly washed—flows abundantly. The landscape is as charming as Indra’s own rainbow, radiant like the palace of Kubera. Divine couples wander there, and groups of Apsarases dance in joy. The ponds are adorned with kalhāra flowers, while swans and cranes glide gracefully across the waters. Herds of elephants roam the forests, and deer and birds fill the groves with life. In caves, the songs of Kinnaras mingle with the cries of other creatures, echoing through the hills. Torrents of water cascade down in sparkling streams, flashing with countless glimmers of light. Throughout the woodland garden, beautiful in every season, clusters of flowers bloom in profusion. Upon that delightful, splendid, and worthy mountain, the blessed Lord Sthāṇu, the great god and bestower of boons, abides—compassionate to his devotees, resplendent alongside the daughter of the king of mountains. All who travel in celestial vehicles approach this unborn, imperishable god, and other hosts of deities descend to serve him. Desiring to please Śarva, a sage undertook severe austerities there. With arms raised and unsupported, he sustained himself only by water, air, and fire. Always, at the proper times, he offered recitations and flowers in worship. Firm in his vow, he engaged in fierce austerity, until his body became emaciated and his complexion darkened from the intensity of his penance. At last, Śaṅkara was pleased. Appearing before the sage, the great god spoke: “See my form, which is invisible, O child. I am pleased with you, O sage.