With his mighty trident, Shankara struck down the Daitya, shattering his very bones. Yet, with compassion in his heart, Shiva sent the fallen one to the salt ocean, granting him release. That Daitya, purified by the Lord’s touch, took on various excellent forms, becoming foremost among those who worship the gods. All holy waters from sacred places are considered pure, but none so much as that which has come from Shankara himself. Indeed, one who bathes with water from the sacred conch is regarded as having bathed in all the holy rivers. At that place, the goddess Lakshmi ever resides, and all inauspiciousness is banished. But if misfortune arises, Lakshmi, frightened and angered, departs to another place. After slaying the demon, Shiva returned to his own divine realm, and the gods, overwhelmed with joy, went back to their heavenly abodes. In celebration, a continuous shower of flowers rained down upon Shiva. At this point, the sage Narada inquired, “By which form did Tulasi manifest? Please explain this to me.” Narayana replied, “In the form of Shankhacuda, I enjoyed together with my beloved.” By his divine maya, Hari took the armor that belonged to Shankhacuda and began to play the drum at the entrance to Tulasi’s dwelling. Hearing the auspicious sound, the virtuous Tulasi was filled with supreme joy. She gave generous gifts to the brahmins and arranged for sacred rites to be performed. The Lord then descended from his chariot and entered the goddess’s residence. Seeing before her the peaceful and charming form of her beloved, Tulasi’s heart overflowed with happiness. With great affection, she was seated by him upon a beautiful jeweled lion-throne. She exclaimed, “Today my birth is fulfilled; today all my actions have borne fruit.” Smiling, casting sidelong glances, and filled with desire, her body trembled with joy. Tulasi then asked, “O ocean of compassion, tell me how victory was achieved.” Hearing her words, the Lord of Lakshmi smiled and replied, “O beautiful one, all the Dānavas have been destroyed. It was Brahma himself who caused affection to arise between us. I have now returned to my own abode, while Shiva has gone to his own divine realm.” There, the Lord of Lakshmi enjoyed the company of Rama, and Narada, observing all that had transpired, pondered deeply and asked, “Who are you, truly?” Tulasi, her heart troubled, spoke: “Either my chastity has been taken from me, or I must curse you.” Effortlessly, the Lord assumed his own most enchanting form—dark as a fresh raincloud, with eyes like autumn lotuses, radiating the beauty of ten million Cupids and adorned with jeweled ornaments. At the sight of him, Tulasi, overwhelmed by passion, playfully fainted. Regaining her senses, she reproached him: “O Lord, you have no compassion; your heart is like stone. Because you are so unyielding, you are devoid of mercy. Those who call you an ocean of compassion are certainly deluded. You are both wicked and all-knowing, yet you do not understand the suffering of others.” Having spoken these words, the great and virtuous Tulasi fell at the feet of Hari. Moved by her compassion, the ocean of mercy was stirred. The Lord said, “For your sake, Shankhacuda performed severe austerities for a long time. Having made you a woman, the passionate one enjoyed pleasure with you, and from that act, its destined result has come to pass. Now, leaving behind this mortal body, you shall assume a divine form.