Indra, troubled by the threat posed by his formidable enemy, listened as Paulomī, his wife, spoke with deep concern and humility. She began, “Let me tell you everything that might lead to his defeat or death, so that you may be satisfied. This hero, the son of Hiraṇya and also his uncle’s son, is powerful—my own brother. He has grown arrogant from the boon he received. By pleasing Brahmā through austerity and discipline, he has attained great power; and truly, what cannot be accomplished through such austerity?” She cautioned Indra, “Do not let attachment or amazement cloud your mind. Listen carefully to what must be done, step by step.” With reverence, Paulomī continued, “Nothing is unattainable through austerity or sacrificial acts. Nothing is unattainable for Viṣṇu, lord of the worlds, or for Hara, through devotion. And, my dear, I have learned something profound: only women themselves truly know the nature of women, O lord of the gods. Thus, nothing is unattainable for the earth or for women; through austerity, sacrifice, or other actions, all arise from them.” She advised, “Among sacred places, the earth should be visited by you; there, by worshipping Viṣṇu and Shiva, all your desires can be fulfilled. I have also heard that women who are devoted to their husbands alone know everything, all that is held by them, both moving and unmoving. The essence of the earth is found within, and in its midst lies the Dandaka forest, where the Ganga, sustainer of the world, resides. Worship the lord there, O master.” Paulomī urged Indra to worship Viṣṇu, the remover of distress and suffering, the mighty refuge for those who are helpless and sinking in sorrow. “There is no other refuge than Hara, Hari, or Ganga. Therefore, with all your effort and concentration, strive to please them. With devotion, hymns, and austerity, let us worship together; then you will gain auspiciousness from the grace of Shiva and Viṣṇu.” She explained, “Without knowledge, a deed yields its ordinary fruit; with knowledge, it yields a hundredfold; but with the wife, it becomes inexhaustible. In all undertakings, the wife alone is the companion for a man; even in the smallest tasks, success is impossible without her. Whatever action is performed alone yields only half its fruit; but when performed with the wife, a man obtains abundant reward. Let this be well understood: the wife is one’s half. In the Dandaka forest, the best river, Gautami, is found. She removes all sins and grants all desired blessings. Go there with me and perform meritorious acts of great fruit. Then, having slain your enemies in battle, you will obtain great happiness.” Accepting her counsel, Indra replied, “So be it,” to his teacher, and together with his wife, Shatakratu journeyed to the Ganga, renowned as Gautami, the sustainer of the world. Hari, joyful and resolute, went to the midst of the Dandaka forest to perform austerity for Shambhu, lord of the gods. First, bowing to the Ganga and bathing, he stood with joined palms, taking refuge in Shiva alone, and spoke this hymn: “May Pinakapani, who by his own power creates, protects, and consumes all that moves and is still, yet remains unattached, who is one, independent, non-dual, and blissful in nature, be gracious to us. Even Sanaka and the sages, knowers of Vedānta’s secrets, do not know his true nature; may the Lord of Pārvatī, giver of all desires, be gracious to me and dispel my darkness.” He recalled how Shiva created the self-born god, Viśvakarman, and saw his terrifying head. With the tips of his nails, Shiva cut it away, and from that act arose the threefold aims of life. Yet, sin, poverty, greed, delusion, and suffering arose endlessly, pervading the world as sorrow. Seeing this, the Lord of the gods grew fearful and addressed the Goddess: “The world is sinking; protect it, O Lady of the worlds, Mother of all, O Umā, refuge of all, auspicious and gracious one. O foundation of the universe, bestower of boons, be victorious! You are enjoyment, concentration, supreme liberation, the sacred syllables svāhā and svadhā, well-being, primordial perfection, speech, wisdom, blessings, ageless and immortal. In the form of knowledge and more, you protect the three worlds by my command; by you alone the three worlds are created, for by your very nature, so too is their wondrous diversity.” Thus addressed by Hari, his beloved became absorbed in intimate union and conversation, grew weary, and clung closely to half the body of Bhava. She sprinkled sweat-water from her fingertips. From that, first arose Dharma, then Lakṣmī, then charity, good rainfall, virtue endowed with excellence, waters, grains, flowers, and fruits. Auspicious objects, beauty, fine attire, things of love, medicines, dances, songs, nectar, ancient lore, the Vedas and Smṛtis, ethics, food and drink, weapons, sciences, household implements, missiles, sacred places, forests, sacrifices, charitable works, auspicious rites, vehicles, pure ornaments, and seats—all these came forth. Through the joyful union with Bhava’s body, through sweet conversation and gentle laughter, all moving and unmoving beings were born, O Goddess, and from that, sinless things came into being. Happiness, abundance, and everlasting good arose, shining forth from her nature. Therefore, Hari prayed, “Protect me, Mother of the world, who am fearful of the dangers threatening all beings. Some are bewildered by arguments; others become absorbed therein. I praise that beautiful non-dual form of Śiva and Śakti.” As he thus praised, Shiva appeared before him and said, “Speak, Hari, what boon do you desire? Tell me your supreme wish.” Hari replied, “My enemy was powerful, and like Saturn with his gaze, he bound me and cast me down, humiliating me in many ways.