O gods—those who are honored with offerings in sacrifice and are worthy to partake of the clarified butter on earth—gathered together. Nārāyaṇa, beloved of the world, was addressed with reverence, as it was declared, “I am not other than the world itself.” Then, turning to the Lord of creatures, a solemn pronouncement was made: “Because of the curse of your son, you shall be unworthy of worship on earth.” To Śambhu, the words were stern: “By my curse, I shall cause you to lose your knowledge.” Yama’s domain, too, would be affected: “I will assign the jurisdiction of Yama far away, without doubt.” And upon all the assembled, a swift and heavy fate was pronounced: “Here and now, I curse all of them with old age and disease, without delay.” Having spoken thus, the mighty and resolute goddess went to the banks of the sacred Kausiki to pronounce her curse upon them. As she prepared to utter her words of power, Brahma himself, accompanied by the gods, approached her. There, after bathing in those holy waters, Brahma praised the Supreme Self, the Lord of all. With humility, Brahma addressed Mādhava: “O Mādhava, for the sake of a beloved, do not let her curse the gods; protect them. The virtuous remember you, the saints recite your name, and the sages joyfully chant your praises. You are ever devoted to rescuing those who are distressed, helpless, and who have sought your refuge. But now, O Lord, my worship has been hindered by the curse upon my son. All authority in the universe was once given by you.” Mahadeva then spoke, recalling the distant past: “Long ago, in Pushkara, through the merit of a hundred Manvantaras of austerity—whether it be lordship, or wealth, or knowledge, or even valor—all that is unknown, all that is hidden, the highest and most difficult to attain—was granted. Yet, the power of a devoted wife surpasses the brilliance of all others.” Then Dharma affirmed, “Such is the dharma that you established long ago, O Lord. By the merit of austerity performed for seven Manvantaras, O Supreme Lord—” The gods lamented together: “O Mādhava, now, by the curse of a woman, all that is lost.” Having spoken thus, all of them stood there, restrained and overcome by fear. A voice counseled, “You all go to that root cause; Janārdana has taken the form of a Brāhmaṇa.” Hearing these words, the gods, their minds delighted and eager, set forth. There, on the banks of the river, the gods beheld the goddess Mālāvatī, steadfast in her virtue. She was adorned in garments purified by fire, her forehead marked with a vermilion dot. Her radiance, long accumulated through devoted service to her husband, shone brilliantly. Seated in a yogic posture upon the chest of a corpse, she held a pure crystal rosary between the tips of her index finger and thumb. She glowed with the lovely hue of champaka flowers, her lips red as bimba fruit, and she was adorned with jewels. Her broad hips bore a heavy weight, her thighs and breasts were full. Seeing her in such a form, the gods were filled with wonder. Sauti now said: The gods went to the abode of Mālāvatī, bestower of supreme auspiciousness. Seeing the gods, Mālāvatī—steadfast in her vows—bowed down to them. At that very moment, a certain Brāhmaṇa boy appeared. He carried a staff and an umbrella, wore white garments, and bore a shining tilaka. His entire body was anointed with sandalwood, and he blazed with the radiance of Brahman. He took his seat amidst the assembly, like the moon among the stars. The Brāhmaṇa spoke: “By what act does the Creator himself, the maker of the worlds, exist? Here, the all-powerful Śambhu himself is the destroyer of all the universes.