When the gods had witnessed the wondrous events, their fear dispelled and their eyes wide with amazement, they recited this tale among themselves. Still marveling, they departed in the same manner as they had come, carrying with them the memory of what had transpired. It is said that whoever reads or listens to this supreme and sacred narrative—especially when accompanied by the recitation of the Vedas—will have all their suffering destroyed. Such is the power of this story: it brings good fortune, fame, long life, and health; it increases strength, removes all obstacles, and destroys every disease. It is a remedy for premature death, bestowing great peace and auspiciousness, erasing the circle of enemies, and even overcoming oppressive rulers. Evil dreams are banished, all beings are warded off, poisons and malignant planetary influences are destroyed, and the blessings of sons, grandsons, and further descendants are multiplied. This narrative grants perfect yogic powers and reveals the knowledge of Shiva. It is a stairway to the highest realm and the surest means to attain one’s cherished goals. It dispels the illusion cast by Vishnu, grants the ultimate truth of the deities, fulfills desires, and bestows prosperity, wisdom, and all manner of attainments. The supreme form of the wielder of the Pinaka bow, taking the shape of Sharabha, should be revealed only to those devotees who are steadfast and diligent. It is to be recited and heard by those whose very essence is Shiva, particularly during all festivals dedicated to Shiva and on the fourteenth and eighth days of the lunar month. One should recite it at the time of consecration, to invoke Shiva’s presence, and also in times of fear—whether from thieves, tigers, serpents, lions, or kings. In the face of other calamities—earthquakes, forest fires, showers of sand, falling meteors, great winds, droughts, or excessive rains—this narrative is to be turned to. Therefore, in all such situations, a learned devotee of Shiva, steadfast in their vows, who recites or listens to this supreme hymn in its entirety, attains the state of Rudra and becomes an attendant of Rudra himself. Now, the sages gathered and asked Romaharshana, steadfast in his vows, to tell them of another wondrous tale: “How did the matted-haired Lord, the destroyer of Bhaga’s eye, once slay Jalandhara, who was as mighty as Jambha? O Romaharshana, tell us of Jalandhara, famed as born from the circle of water. He was fearsome as Death itself, his strength gained through severe austerity. By his power, the gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Nagas, and Rakshasas—all were vanquished in battle, including Brahma, the unborn Lord. Having subdued the host of gods, Jalandhara even conquered Brahma.” “Then Jalandhara went to Vishnu, Lord of the gods, destroyer of the universe, and teacher. Between them arose a fierce battle, unceasing day and night. In that struggle, Jalandhara defeated Madhusudana—Vishnu himself—and, having conquered him, also overcame Janardana, the god of gods.” “Jalandhara then addressed the sons of Diti, who were wise in justice, urging them to conquer the Lord: ‘All have been defeated by me in battle; only Shankara remains unconquered in war. Having conquered all, including Ishana with his attendants and Nandi in an instant, I alone shall become you, Brahma, and Vishnu as well. And I shall grant you the status of Indra, O foremost among Danavas.’ Hearing these words, all the Danavas, wicked and intent on meeting their end, roared loudly. With chariots, elephants, and horses, fully armed, they prepared for battle and advanced against Sharva.” “Bhava, seeing the king of the Daityas standing tall like the peak of Mount Meru, and hearing of his invulnerability—and knowing that he had destroyed the eyes of Bhaga and Netra—the Lord, protector of the worlds, upheld Brahma’s command. Samba, together with Sanandi and his attendants, spoke almost laughingly: ‘What is the use, Lord of Asuras, of this battle now?’” “Jalandhara, his whole body already pierced by my arrows and ready to die with joy, heard those words—which were like tearing at the ears. The Lord of the non-gods’ army then addressed the Lord of the gods: ‘Enough of words, mighty-armed one! O God of gods, bearer of the bull-banner! I have come here to fight, O Hara, with weapons shining like moonbeams.’” Then, upon hearing his challenge, the wielder of the trident, with a mere touch of his great toe, playfully fashioned a terrible discus weapon within the great ocean. Having created this white discus in the ocean, the Blessed Lord—remembering how with it he had destroyed the three worlds, the gods, Daksha, Andhaka, the triple city, and the sacrificial rites, and knowing himself as the ender of all—laughed and spoke: “O Jalandhara, if you are strong enough, stand and fight! For this discus, created by my foot in the great ocean, is to be lifted; otherwise, do not.” Hearing these words, Jalandhara’s eyes blazed with anger, as if his very gaze could burn the three worlds. He looked upon all creation and declared: “Raising my mace, I will slay Nandi and you, O Shankara! Having killed the worlds together with the gods, I will strike the Dundubha drums just as Garuda did. I am capable of destroying all that moves and does not move, along with Indra and his followers. Who, O Maheshvara, in the three worlds is invulnerable to my arrows?” He boasted further: “Even in childhood, the Blessed Lord was conquered by austerity; Brahma, mighty in his youth, by sages and the foremost of gods. In a moment, the entire three worlds, with all that moves and does not move, were burned by austerity. Why, Rudra, have you not been conquered, even though you are the Blessed Lord? Indra, Agni, Yama, Kubera, Vayu, Varuna, and others could not endure, just as serpents cannot bear the scent of Garuda. Not finding my arms, O Shankara, either in heaven or on earth, I rubbed them against all the mountains, O Lord of the Ganas. The illustrious king of mountains, Mandara, the beautiful Nila, and Meru were all rubbed by my arm-staff, just to relieve an itch. The Ganga was blocked by my arms for sport on Mount Himavat; and for my female servants, the thunderbolt of the gods was bound.” Thus, Jalandhara, filled with pride and might, stood ready to challenge the great Lord Shiva, as the worlds looked on in awe and anticipation.