At that very moment, Śaṅkara, the great Lord Śiva, was absorbed in playful delight, surrounded by celestial women, with his beloved Śivā by his side. Śivā, radiant and beautiful, was unclothed and full of desire, rejoicing in her husband's lap. As she basked in this intimacy, her gaze fell upon a group of sages who had arrived there. Suddenly aware of her state, the goddess was overcome with deep shame. Rising quickly from Śiva’s lap, she took a garment and covered herself, standing modestly, trembling and yet dignified. The sages, having witnessed the loving play between Śiva and Śivā, a sight not meant for mortal eyes, respectfully averted their gaze and hastily departed, making their way to the hermitage of Nara-Nārāyaṇa. Seeing his beloved, bashful and still filled with longing, the blessed Hara spoke gently to her: “Why are you overcome by shame? I will make you happy.” Then, Śiva pronounced a boon that would forever change the fate of the forest: “From this day onward, O beautiful-faced one, any man who, out of delusion, enters this forest shall become a woman.” Because of this curse, those who knew of it carefully avoided the forest, aware of its mysterious dangers. Yet Sudyumna, unaware of the curse, entered the forest with his ministers. The moment they crossed its threshold, Sudyumna and his companions were transformed into women—there could be no doubt about the power of Śiva’s words. Now a woman, Sudyumna, the royal sage, was filled with anxiety and, out of shame, did not return home. Instead, she wandered through the forest, lost and uncertain. In this new form, the great-souled Sudyumna became known as Ilā. As Ilā wandered, Budha, the youthful and radiant son of Soma, happened upon her. Surrounded by her companions, Ilā’s beauty and charm, her grace in gesture and expression, captivated Budha. The son of Soma was filled with desire for her. Ilā, too, felt her heart drawn to Budha, and their mutual love led them to unite as husband and wife. From their union, Budha begot a son named Purūravas upon Ilā—Purūravas, who would become the foremost of emperors. While living in the forest, Ilā gave birth to her son, but her mind remained troubled. She remembered her family’s preceptor, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, and sought his guidance. Moved by compassion at Sudyumna’s plight, Vasiṣṭha sought to please Mahādeva Śaṅkara, the benefactor of the world. Pleased by Vasiṣṭha’s devotion, the blessed Lord granted the boon he desired. Vasiṣṭha requested that Sudyumna be restored to his manhood. Śaṅkara, speaking nectar-like words, declared, “For one month the king shall be a man, for one month a woman.” Thus, Sudyumna received the boon and returned home. With Vasiṣṭha’s favor, he ruled his kingdom righteously. When in the form of a woman, Sudyumna remained in the palace; as a man, he governed his realm. Yet, the people were troubled by their king’s alternating forms and did not rejoice in his rule. In time, when his son Purūravas reached manhood, Sudyumna entrusted him with the throne and departed for the forest. Arriving in a delightful woodland thick with many trees, Sudyumna encountered the sage Nārada, from whom he received the supreme nine-lettered mantra. With a heart full of love, Sudyumna recited the mantra with great intensity. Pleased by his devotion, the auspicious Goddess, radiant and beautiful, savior of all, appeared before him, seated majestically on a lion, her eyes swirling with the delight of Varuni’s drink. Beholding her divine form, Sudyumna’s eyes overflowed with love. Bowing low, he joyfully offered his praises to the Mother of the world: “O Goddess, I have witnessed your renowned divine form, which brings welfare to all the worlds. I bow to your lotus feet, worshipped by hosts of gods, giver of desires, Mother, and bestower of liberation. Who in this world truly knows you when you take mortal form? Even sages and gods are bewildered by you. I marvel at your sovereignty and compassion for the humble. Shambhu, Hari, Brahmā, Indra, the Sun, the Lord of wealth, Agni, Varuṇa, Vāyu, and Soma—even the Vasus do not know your true power. How could a human, limited in understanding, comprehend your virtues? Vishṇu alone knows you as the sattvic, ocean-born giver of all things; who knows you as the rajasic Uma or your tamasic form, O Mother of the Vedas? Surely, none know you as the one without attributes. Where am I, dull-minded and weak, and where is your supreme skill, O Mother, so gracious to me? I know your deeds overflow with compassion, for you show mercy to those who serve you with devotion. You are served by Hari and Brahmā, yet even Madhusudana finds no joy. The primordial person purifies your feet with fire and makes them holy with his touch. Hari, longing for you, seeks your feet, freed from sorrow, while the ancient one rejoices. Yet, in anger, you can strike even your devoted ones, seeing your husband, praised by all gods, tormented by love. O Goddess, you always dwell upon his broad, peaceful chest, adorned like lightning on a cloud. Is he not your vehicle, even though he is Lord of the world? O Mother, if you were to abandon Madhusudana in anger, even worship would not empower him; for it is seen that people forsake a man bereft of fortune and virtue, even if he is their own. What need to speak of Brahmā and the other gods—or of young women—when even those who constantly take refuge at your lotus feet are empowered by you alone? What can I say of your infinite might? I am uncertain whether you are male or not, O Goddess, for you manifest with and without qualities. I bow to you always with devotion and desire unwavering love for you, O Mother.” Having thus praised her, Sudyumna sought refuge at her feet. The Goddess, pleased, granted him union with herself. By her grace, Sudyumna attained the highest and most steadfast state, one difficult even for sages to reach. After Sudyumna ascended to heaven, his son Purūravas became king. Purūravas was virtuous, handsome, and ever intent on pleasing his subjects. In the beautiful city of Pratiṣṭhāna, he established a rule respected by all, being well-versed in dharma and devoted to the protection of his people. He possessed wise counsel, knowledge of the hereafter, tireless energy and strength, and the supreme power of a sovereign.