Because of the mingling of their seeds, both Suvarṇa and Suvarṇā became the offspring of Agni. Suvarṇa, the son, was remarkable—he could take on countless forms, appearing as the most excellent among the gods. Whenever he wished, Suvarṇa would assume the form and beauty of the beloved wives of Indra, Vāyu, Kubera, Varuṇa, and even of the great sages, going wherever his heart desired. At times, this son of the sage would become, in form, the very husband among devoted wives, and, ever noble in his conduct, he enjoyed the fulfillment of desire with them. Meanwhile, Suvarṇā, wife of Dharma and daughter of Svāhā, became unrestrained; she wandered wherever her mind wished, heedless of limits. Taking the form of a wife, Suvarṇā delighted with husbands among men, demons, gods, sages, ancestors, and others who were possessed of beauty, generosity, steadfastness, and depth. Whenever a god desired a particular goddess as wife, Suvarṇā would become that very form, pleasing him and drawing his mind by many means and devices, fulfilling his desires. Witnessing the conduct of Suvarṇa and Suvarṇā, the daughter and son of Agni, all the gods and demons were filled with anger. They pronounced a curse upon both: “This act is a transgression, deceitful and sinful. O carrier of oblations, let your son be ever wandering, marked by transgression. And as for Suvarṇā, let her not be devoted to one alone, nor satisfied with one; let her associate with many, of various forms—even those despised—this shall be her fault.” Hearing these words, Agni was greatly afraid. He approached me and said, “Tell me, what is the means of atonement for my son and daughter?” I replied, “O Vahni, go to Gautamī and worship Śaṃkara there, O mighty-armed one, and make this known to the Lord of the universe. By the power of Maheśvara, present within your own being, such offspring has been born to you; therefore, you must inform the god of gods about this curse, so that Śambhu may bring about their welfare and protection. Praise the god and the goddess with devotion—then Śiva will be pleased and you will obtain your cherished desires for your children.” Following my guidance, Agni went to the banks of the Gaṅgā and worshipped Maheśvara there, offering disciplined words and Vedic praises. He proclaimed, “I bow to the Lord of the universe, the creator of the world, whose form is the universe itself, who is stainless, the prime originator, and self-born. He who becomes fire and destroys, who is the creator in the form of water, who protects as the sun—I bow to that Three-eyed One.” Pleased, the blessed, endless, and imperishable Lord granted Agni a boon. Humbly, Agni spoke to Śiva: “Your power resides in me; from it was born a beautiful son, Suvarṇa, renowned in the worlds. Likewise, O Lord of the world, Suvarṇā became a daughter from you. From the mingling of our powers, and due to that fault, both these children were born. Because of their transgression, the offspring is flawed. Śiva, all the gods have pronounced a curse—please, O Lord, bring peace to them both.” At Agni’s request, Śambhu spoke these auspicious words: “From my power and from you arose Suvarṇa, of great prowess; all prosperity is gathered in this Suvarṇa. There can be no doubt—he will be the purifier of all three worlds. He alone is nectar in the world, beloved of the gods, the very enjoyment and liberation, the sacrificial fee. He alone is the form of everything; even among teachers, he is the teacher. Know his power as the highest, the supreme power that comes from me. Especially since it is placed in you, what need is there for doubt? Without it, all is incomplete; with it, all wealth is fulfilled. “Even while living, all men are dead without Suvarṇa; a man without qualities but wealthy is honored, while one with qualities but poor is not. Therefore, nothing will surpass Suvarṇa; yet, though excellent, Suvarṇa is fickle. By her, everything seen, whether lacking or complete, will become whole; through austerity, recitation, and offerings, she is attained in the three worlds. Her power and excellence, O Agni, are praised in some measure; wherever she remains, let her come and move freely. Suvarṇā will become Kamala herself and will be pure. From this day, let both children act freely. Yet, the merit of these two has never been and will never be.” Having spoken thus, Śambhu manifested there as Śiva, in the form of the linga, for the welfare of all the worlds. Having received these boons for his two children, Agni was pleased, and Suvarṇā, his daughter, rejoiced with her husband in righteousness. Their son too lived joyfully, fulfilling his resolve. However, Suvarṇā, the daughter of Agni, was deceived by Śārdūla, lord of the Dānavas. Disregarding righteousness, Śārdūla abducted her—the very abode of fortune and beauty—and took her to the netherworld. Thus, the son-in-law of Agni, Dharma, and Agni himself, the receiver of offerings, both together repeatedly praised Viṣṇu, the lord of the worlds, and earnestly entreated the mighty Viṣṇu for help. Then Hari, the Supreme Lord, cut off Śārdūla’s head with his discus and restored the goddess Suvarṇā, the beauty of the worlds, to her rightful place.