Dark as a fresh raincloud, radiant with beauty and bearing four arms, the Lord shone resplendent, his entire body anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste and adorned in brilliant yellow garments. With a gentle smile and obvious delight, he listened to the melodious singing and graceful dancing of the Vidyādharas, their performances filling the air with joy. In that divine assembly, Mahādeva himself bowed reverently before him, as did Brahmā, the creator. Kaśyapa, filled with deep devotion, also offered his praises and prostrations. There, Kaśyapa beheld Candraśekhara—Shiva—seated at ease upon a comfortable and pleasant seat, completely at rest, his heart serene and free from all anger, his face bright with a tranquil smile. With a calm and joyful heart, Kaśyapa spoke to the Lord, who was pleased to listen in the midst of the assembled gods. Śrī Bhagavān addressed him, saying, “I wish to ask you about matters of the world and the Vedas, and about the nature of peace. You are the giver of the fruits of austerities, the bestower of all wealth. You are the lord of knowledge, all-knowing—so what need have I to ask you in vain about knowledge? You alone are the source of speech and inquiry, the very foundation of the scriptures.” Śrī Mahādeva replied, “The Sun was cursed; that is the reason for the conflict between the scriptures. Out of grief for his son and due to parental affection, he rose up to destroy the Sun. Yet, those who take refuge in you, whether through meditation or even by uttering your name, and those who directly surrender themselves—what need is there to speak of the rewards they receive, O Lord? But what will become of my devotee? Please tell me, Lord of the universe.” Śrī Bhagavān answered, “Go quickly from Vaikuṇṭha to the realm of kings in half a ghaṭikā. The bearer of the bull-banner—Shiva’s devotee—has died, struck down by time, that irresistible and fierce force. His two sons, Dharmadhvaja and Kuśadhvaja, both highly illustrious, have been deprived of their kingdom and fortune and have become ascetics devoted to the lotus. Yet, in time, those two, endowed with prosperity, will become foremost among kings.” Having spoken thus, the Lord, accompanied by Lakshmi, entered the inner chambers, while Shiva quickly departed, his mind fully absorbed in ascetic practice. Nārāyaṇa then spoke: Each of them received the boon they had desired. By the blessing of Mahālakṣmī, the two brothers became rulers of the earth. Kuśadhvaja’s wife was Mālāvatī, a virtuous goddess. Because of her connection with the earth, she was endowed with deep knowledge; as she entered the birthing chamber, she made the sound of the Vedas clear and resounding. At the very moment of her birth, the girl produced the sound of the Vedas. Immediately after being thoroughly bathed, she went to the forest to undertake ascetic practice. For an entire manvantara, she performed austerities at Puṣkara, yet she remained nourished, never emaciated, and radiant with youthful beauty. In another birth, it was foretold, her husband would be Hari himself. Upon hearing this, she became angry and undertook ascetic practice once more. Long did she continue her austerities, dwelling throughout the universe. One day, seeing a guest arrive, she greeted him with hospitality and offered him water for washing his feet. After partaking of her offering, the most sinful one remained nearby. Seeing her—an excellent woman, her form full and her breasts prominent—the wretched man, pierced by the arrows of desire, fell into a swoon. But she, virtuous and resolute, with a single angry glance rendered him motionless where he stood.