In the course of time, the region in question would become entirely occupied by foreigners. Yet, in that very land, those whom the brāhmaṇas had established would continue to dwell. The kings reigning there would institute the worship of the liṅga, and those rulers who acted with righteousness would be firmly established in justice. Within that land, all beings would perpetually worship me. Those who journeyed to Śivapura would behold me directly, their sins utterly consumed in the process. This sacred field of mine, you must know, stretches across fourteen yojanas. The waters found there are renowned for their extraordinary purity—said to be a hundred times purer than those of the revered Bhāgīrathī. It is certain that men who depart from their bodies in this place ascend to my world, without any doubt. Those who have sought refuge in the domain of Puruhūta also dwell there. Even sages, celestial nymphs, and yakshas become subject to the delusions of my divine maya in this sacred realm. This land has become a field of accomplishment for those who are devoted to austerities, and the wise proclaim that it even surpasses the holy Kurukshetra. From here, all the foremost rivers arise, beginning with the Ganga herself. Every spring in this region is sacred, and every towering rock is holy. This place is known as Shaileśvara, for it is here that my very body is established. The swift-flowing Bhagirathi river, coursing through this land, burns away the sins of those who come to her. By bathing or immersing oneself in her waters, not only is one uplifted, but seven generations of one’s lineage are also elevated. Those who bathe here and leave their bodies ascend to heaven and are freed from the cycle of rebirth. In my pleasure, I rescue such souls from the vast ocean of worldly existence. Whoever, pure of heart, faithful, and free from envy, bathes in these waters for my ablution attains the same merit as one who has performed the sacred Agnihotra ritual. There is also a water source called Mriga-shringa, forever cherished by the sages. Whatever sins a person has accumulated throughout life are instantly destroyed by bathing there. Simply immersing oneself in those waters yields the fruit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Yet, no sinful or ungrateful person ever attains this holy place. Those who bathe in the Vagmati river attain the highest spiritual state. Purified by these waters, those who then behold me have all their sins destroyed by my power. Indeed, those who, cleansed and pure, gaze upon me after bathing in the Vagmati are freed from all sin. In every part of this sacred region, offerings made are considered equal in merit to the great Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. At the very root sanctuary, Rudra himself presides, eternally surrounded by thousands of serpents as he stands guard at my gate. One should first offer salutations to Rudra, and then to me immediately after. Whoever worships me here with supreme devotion—whoever honors my form with fragrant scents and garlands, or offers a lamp with faith upon the mountain; whoever sings, plays instruments, dances, recites hymns, or keeps vigil through the night; whoever offers curd, milk, honey, ghee, or even simple water; and whoever, with faith, gives food to Brāhmaṇas during a śrāddha—such acts are all supremely meritorious in my eyes, bringing the devotee ever closer to my grace.