When the gods beheld him—Manyu—bearing every weapon, they bowed in reverence before his radiant form. The Daityas and Danujas were struck with terror at the sight, while the gods stood with joined palms, filled with awe and hope. Then, the gods, having assumed the form of Manyu, addressed him, saying, “O Lord, be our commander! With the kingdom you grant us, O Manyu, we shall enjoy rulership.” They proclaimed, “In all undertakings, you alone are the conqueror and the bringer of victory; you are Indra, you are Varuna, you alone are the guardian of all the worlds. Enter into each of us, O Manyu, so that we may be victorious.” To this, Manyu replied to them all, “Without me, there is nothing.” He continued, “I have entered into all beings, yet no one truly knows me. That very Lord is Manyu, who then appears distinctly in each. He indeed takes the form of Rudra; Rudra is Manyu, who became Shiva. In truth, all that moves and does not move is pervaded by Manyu.” Having obtained Manyu’s presence, the gods gained victory in battle; from Manyu arose victory, courage, and the very power of the Lord. With Manyu’s aid, they triumphed over the Daityas, and, protected by his might, the gods returned as they had come, victorious. On the banks of the Gautamī River, the gods worshipped Shiva and attained both the force of anger and the glory of victory. Because of this, that sacred place came to be known as Manyutīrtha. Whoever, with pure intent, remembers the origin of Manyu at that holy site gains victory and cannot be 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 simply remembering there fulfills all desires. Nearby is another sacred place called Sārasvata, renowned for granting all desires, auspiciousness, enjoyment, liberation, and the destruction of all sins. It removes every disease and bestows all accomplishments. Now, O Nārada, listen as I recount the events that took place there in detail. To the east of Puṣpotkaṭa lies a mountain famed throughout the world, called Śubhra—the best of mountains—situated on the southern bank of the Gautamī. Upon this auspicious and holy mountain lived the sage Śākalya, celebrated for his supreme renunciation and excellent austerities. All beings, without exception, constantly bowed and sang the praises of this eminent twice-born sage, engaged in deep penance on the Gautamī’s banks. Devoted to serving the sacred fire and intent on Vedic study, Śākalya was attended by seers, gandharvas, and divine spirits upon that mountain. Yet, on this most holy mountain, there also dwelled a terrible demon named Paraśu, who struck fear into the hearts of gods and twice-born alike. He despised sacrifice and was a slayer of Brahmins. Paraśu wandered the forests, taking on various forms at will—sometimes appearing as a Brahmin, at other times as a tiger, a god, an animal, a woman, a deer, or even a child. Thus, this evildoer roamed near the learned Brahmin, the eminent sage Śākalya. Again and again, the wicked demon Paraśu approached the pure and excellent Brahmin, Śākalya, intent on capturing or killing him, but never succeeding. Once, after Śākalya had worshipped the gods with great care, Paraśu, desiring food, came to him in the guise of a feeble, gray-haired Brahmin, bringing with him a certain maiden. He addressed Śākalya, saying, “O Brahmin, know me as one seeking food, as is this maiden. At this hour of hospitality, you have the opportunity to show your virtue, O giver of honor. Blessed indeed are those whose guests leave their home content, whether living or dead.” He continued, “When one sits for a meal, whatever is set aside for oneself—if that is given to a guest, it is as if one gives the very earth itself. The gods follow one who has come from afar and is weary; when he is satisfied, so are they—if not, the opposite occurs. The guest and the slanderer are kin to all; the slanderer takes away sin, and the guest provides passage to heaven. Whoever looks upon a weary traveler with contempt, in that moment, loses righteousness, fame, and prosperity. Therefore, O best of twice-born, I am weary and have come to you; I ask that you grant my wish, else I will not eat.” Śākalya replied, “I will give,” and offered him a seat as befits a Brahmin. He honored him and provided food. After washing his hands, Paraśu spoke further, “I am the foremost of Rakshasas. I am not a twice-born, nor your enemy, nor old, nor gray, nor emaciated; for many years I have watched you. My limbs are drying up, as in summer with little water; therefore, I will take you and your followers and devour you, O best of Brahmins.” Hearing these words, Śākalya calmly replied, “Those born in great families, who know all the scriptures, always fulfill their promises; there is never any deviation in this. Do as you think proper, friend, yet listen to my words: even when one is about to be killed, the wise must speak what is beneficial.” He continued, “I am a Brahmin, with a body like a thunderbolt; Hari protects me on all sides. May Vishnu guard my feet, may Janardana, the god, guard my head.