When the waters were addressed by the great lord, they replied with deep reverence, “So be it, O master of the worlds. As you command, so shall we do. But, O Indra, you must consider the means for our liberation, for you are the supreme refuge of all the worlds. Who else but you can grant us favor and deliver us from hardship?” Then Brahmā spoke, “If a man, his mind deluded and lacking understanding, discharges phlegm, urine, or feces into you, O sacred waters, he will quickly come to you and remain there. Through this, liberation will occur—I speak the truth to you.” Mahādeva continued, “Thus, by the command of the gods, Indra was freed from the terrible sin of Brahma-hatya. He became exceedingly joyful. In ancient times, Indra was afflicted by this grievous sin, but after performing austerities at this holy place, his soul was purified, and he returned to heaven. There, having performed the great horse sacrifice, he was cleansed of all sin. Thus, at this sacred place, the Vārtraghnī, O daughter of the mountain, this glory was revealed.” With these words, the chapter entitled ‘The Glory of Vārtraghnī’ came to its close. Mahādeva then told of what followed: “Afterwards, the divine river Vārtraghnī, from the sacred confluence, entered the abode of Varuṇa, the ocean, accompanied by Bhadrā. The ocean, longing for her affection, approached her with loving attachment and united with her. Bhadrā, also known as Subhadrā, who was once her companion, took the path as an assistant, manifesting the very form of Śrī herself. “The union of these two rivers is auspicious, on the northern shore of the ocean. Whoever bathes there and offers pure water at that holy place, and bows to Varāha, attains the abode of Varuṇa. By that path, the blessed Viṣṇu entered the ocean. Having conquered all the Dānavas and the obstacles of the gods, the god Yajña-Varāha stirred up the abode of the Makara, played there for a long time, and then emerged from the mire. “Parvati, you asked me to tell you in detail about Yajña-Varāha’s entry into the clouded region and his emergence from the mire. Listen, O daughter of the mountain. Long ago, Varāha Hari played within the earth. He, the blessed Lord, directly assumed the form of a boar for the sake of the gods’ purpose. Having lifted the goddess Earth, he emerged from the mire, and there arose a great sacred place called Varāha. “Whoever bathes there, without doubt, attains liberation. Here, one should perform the śrāddha for the ancestors’ liberation; released, he goes to a great and blissful world together with them.” Thus ended the chapter named Varāha-tīrtha. Later, Mahādeva said to the goddess, “Listen, O goddess, I will tell you of a vow rare even in the three worlds. By hearing of it, people are freed from the sin of killing a Brahmin and other grave offenses. The manifestation of the self-luminous one arose for the happiness of devotees; whether as a lunar day or a month, it came into being as a bringer of merit. O goddess, by uttering his name, one attains eternal liberation; he is the supreme self and the cause of all causes. He is the soul of the universe, of universal form, the blessed Lord of all, by whom the twelve suns were sustained—by the great-souled Narasiṃha, who appeared openly, desiring the peace of devotees.” Parvati then asked, “O best of the gods, countless incarnations have been described. Tell me, O Lord of the universe, about the supreme abode called Narasiṃha, by knowing which one attains a happy world merely through understanding.” Mahādeva replied, “Having slain Hiraṇyakaśipu, the god of gods and teacher of the world sat happily with Prahlāda on his lap and spoke these words. Prahlāda, best among the wise and the foremost slayer of his father, bowed and said, ‘O blessed Viṣṇu, Narasiṃha, wondrous in form, I bow to you. I am your devotee, O best of the gods, and I ask you truly: Lord, in you my devotion has arisen in many ways; tell me, O master, how I have become dear to you, what is the reason?’ “Narasiṃha replied, ‘I will tell you, O greatly wise one; listen with a focused mind to the cause of devotion, my child, and again, the cause of dearness. In a former birth, you were not born to any Brahmin, nor did you study; by name, you were Vasudeva, exceedingly lustful, born to a courtesan. In that life, you did not perform even a little virtuous deed; indulging in honey and ghee, you were eager for union with courtesans. Yet, by the power of my vow, devotion arose in you, O sinless one.’ “Prahlāda asked, ‘O Lord of the gods, tell in detail—whose son, and what vow was it? While living with a courtesan, I somehow performed it; having shown your compassion to me, tell me everything now.’ “Nṛsiṃha answered, ‘Formerly, for the purpose of creation, Brahmā made this supreme vow; by the power of my vow, all moving and unmoving beings were created. The Lord performed the vow for the destruction of Tripura; by the power of this vow, Tripura was cast down. This excellent vow was also undertaken by many other ancient gods, sages, and great wise kings. By the power of this vow, all attain success; in heaven, many enjoyments have become dear to you through me. Having enjoyed them, they merge in me. Prahlāda, enter into me. For the sake of duty, your descent is separate from my body. There is no return for them, even after hundreds of great aeons; a poor man obtains wealth like that of Kubera.’ Thus, the glory of vows, the power of devotion, and the compassion of the Lord were revealed, bringing liberation and bliss to those who hear and follow these sacred teachings.