In a time when the forces of good and evil clashed upon the earth, the gods found themselves defeated by the demons. The hosts of gods, shaken and disheartened by their loss in battle, withdrew in distress. Seeking refuge and guidance, they approached me and pleaded, “Grant us a cause for safety.” In response, I counseled them, “Go, all of you, to the Gaṅgā.” Obedient to my words, the gods journeyed to the sacred river and arrived at the bank of the Gautamī. There, filled with hope and reverence, they began to praise the great god Maheśvara—he who is naturally blissful, untouched by decline or effort, and radiant in beauty. I assured them that from Maheśvara, the cause of victory would be granted, and so, with hearts full of faith, the gods offered their praises to him. Some among them performed rigorous austerities, others danced in devotion, some bathed in the holy waters, and others worshipped with offerings and prayers. Pleased by their devotion, the blessed Maheśvara, wielder of the trident, appeared before them and spoke kindly, “Choose whatever you desire.” The gods, their voices united, entreated, “O lord of gods, grant us for victory a most praiseworthy man, one who stands at the forefront in battles. Let us rely on his strength of arms, so that we may find happiness and triumph.” The compassionate Maheśvara replied, “So be it.” By his own divine energy, the Supreme Lord fashioned a being named Manyu—a fierce and mighty leader to stand at the head of the divine army. The gods bowed to this new champion, and, after offering their respects to Śiva, they returned to their abodes, now ready for battle with Manyu by their side. Armed and resolute, the gods took their stand once more against the formidable Danujas and Daityas. As they prepared for combat, they addressed Manyu, who stood before them: “We wish to see your power; afterwards, we shall fight with our enemies. Reveal yourself, O Manyu, for we are eager for battle.” Hearing their words, Manyu replied with a gentle smile. “My creator is the Lord of the gods, the all-knowing, all-seeing master. He knows every being, every abode, and all that dwells within the mind. None can truly know him, yet he knows all at all times. Though formless, he takes form; he is the doer, the one who pervades the universe. He is the supreme Lord, manifest and divine, moving through the heavens. Who can know his form? Who can create the one who is the universe itself? From such a being I am born—how then can you truly know me? Yet, if you wish to see, then behold me as I am.” Having spoken thus, Manyu revealed his great and wondrous form, arisen from the third eye of the supreme Lord Bhava. His form blazed with radiance, embodying the very essence of manliness among men and the sense of ego among all living beings. He was the terrible wrath of all, the destroyer, the blazing representative of Shankara, shining with his own energy. The gods beheld him bearing every weapon, and they bowed in awe. The Daityas and Danujas, upon seeing this formidable being, were seized with terror, while the gods stood with joined palms in reverence. Then, the gods declared, “O Manyu, be our commander, our lord. With the kingdom granted by you, we shall enjoy rulership. In all undertakings, you are the conqueror, the increaser of victory. You are Indra, you are Varuna, and you alone are the guardians of the worlds. Enter into all of us, O Manyu, so that we may attain victory.” Manyu replied, “Without me, there is nothing. I have entered into all, yet no one knows me. That very Lord is Manyu, who appears separately in each. He indeed takes the form of Rudra; Rudra is Manyu, who became Shiva. All that moves and does not move is pervaded by Manyu.” With Manyu’s power, the gods gained victory in battle; from him arose their courage and the might of the Lord. Having triumphed over the Daityas, the gods returned, protected by Manyu as before. On the bank of the Gautamī, they worshipped Śiva and, through him, attained the power of righteous anger and victory. Thus, that place came to be known as Manyutīrtha. Whoever, with pure intent, remembers the origin of Manyu at that sacred spot gains victory and is never overcome by anyone. O great sage, there is no holy place as purifying as Manyutīrtha, where Śaṃkara himself, in the form of Manyu, always abides. Bathing, giving, or even remembering there grants all desires. Near this sacred site is another holy place called Sārasvata, renowned for bestowing all desires. It is auspicious, grants both enjoyment and liberation, and destroys all sins. It removes every disease and bestows all accomplishments. Now, O Nārada, listen as I recount its story in detail. To the east of Puṣpotkaṭa lies a mountain famous throughout the world, named Śubhra, the best of mountains, on the southern bank of the Gautamī. Upon this auspicious and holy mountain dwelt the sage Śākalya, famed for his supreme renunciation and excellent austerities. All beings constantly bowed and praised this best of twice-born, engaged in penance on the bank of the Gautamī. Śākalya was devoted to serving the sacred fire and intent on Vedic study. He was served on that mountain by seers, gandharvas, and divine spirits. Yet, on this most holy mountain also dwelled a demon named Paraśu, terrifying to gods and twice-born alike, a hater of sacrifice and slayer of Brahmins. Paraśu roamed the forests, taking on many forms at will: sometimes appearing as a Brahmin, sometimes as a tiger, sometimes as a god, sometimes as an animal, sometimes as a woman, and sometimes as a deer.