From the union of Lord Shiva and Ambikā, a most fearsome yet auspicious being emerged—a child who danced joyfully, embodying all that is fortunate. This was Gajānana, the elephant-faced son of the great Lord, adorned in wondrous garments and ornaments. With reverent humility, he approached his father and mother, offering salutations. Seeing his newly born son, the blessed Lord Bhava assigned Gajānana all duties, recognizing him as the Lord of all. Shiva lovingly took his son in his gentle hands, embraced him, and smelled his head. He declared, “My son, your descent is for the destruction of demons, for the welfare of gods, the twice-born, and those devoted to Brahman. If any sacrifice is performed on earth without the prescribed fee, you must create an obstacle to that rite, standing on the path to heaven. Whoever unlawfully teaches, studies, explains, or performs rites—take the life of such a one. For women and men who have fallen from their caste or are devoid of their own duty, you must take their lives, O Lord.” Shiva continued, “O Vināyaka, those who always worship you, grant them equality with yourself. Protect your devotees—young, mature, or old—with all your effort, both here and hereafter. In all three worlds, you, Lord of obstacles, must be worshipped and honored without doubt. Even if sacrifices are offered to me, to Nārāyaṇa, or to Brahmā, you must be worshipped first. Whoever performs Vedic, Smārta, or worldly rites without first worshipping you, O auspicious one, will find that what is auspicious turns inauspicious. By brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras, you must be worshipped with pure offerings of food and drink for success. Without worshipping you with fragrance, flowers, incense, and such, even the gods and others in all three worlds cannot attain you anywhere. Those who worship Vināyaka are themselves to be worshipped by Indra and the other gods—this is certain. If those desiring results do not worship you, you hinder even the unborn, Hari, myself, Indra, and other gods with obstacles.” Thus instructed, the great Lord Ganapati created the host of obstacles and, together with his attendants, stood before Shiva after offering obeisance. From that time onward, people began to worship the Lord of the Ganas, and Ganeshvara placed obstacles before the unrighteous Daityas. All this concerning the origin of Skanda’s elder brother has been told; whoever recites, hears, or causes it to be heard will find happiness. Curious, the sages asked, “How did Shambhu’s dance begin, and for what reason? Tell us truly, since we have now heard the origin of Skanda’s elder brother.” The story continued: Daruka, born of the Asuras, gained strength through severe austerity and began to slay the gods and foremost brahmins, like the fire of destruction. Struck and tormented by Daruka, the gods—Brahma, Ishana, Kumara, and even Vishnu—were powerless. The Asura, having reached Yama and Indra, was called ‘woman-slayer,’ and, taking on a female form, was praised by Brahma and others who stood ready for battle. All those afflicted by Daruka approached Brahma and reported everything, accompanied by the Lord of Uma. Upon reaching him, all, led by the Grandsire, offered praise; Brahma himself bowed to the Lord of the gods in many ways. They pleaded, “The fierce Daruka has defeated us; you ought to slay the Daitya Daruka, the woman-slayer, and protect us.” Hearing Brahma’s request, Shiva—the destroyer of Bhaga’s eye—spoke to the goddess Girija, smiling gently. “O auspicious one, today I request you for the welfare of the worlds, O beautiful-faced one, for the slaying of this Daruka, the woman-slayer.” Hearing his words, the Lady of the gods, refuge of the world, entered Shiva’s body, intent on birth. With one portion she entered the Lord of gods, but neither Brahma nor the other gods perceived this mystery. Seeing Girija standing as before at Shambhu’s side, even the all-knowing four-faced Brahma was deluded by her maya. Then Pārvatī entered the body of that God of gods, and with the poison lodged in his throat, she made that body her own. Perceiving her thus transformed with his third eye, Shiva, the enemy of Kāma, created Kālī—the dark-throated, matted-haired goddess. When the dark-throated Kālī arose, great glory and victory came to the gods, defeat befell the non-gods, and satisfaction filled Bhavānī and the Supreme Lord. Seeing her thus born, blazing like fire, with a dark throat adorned with poison, the hosts of gods and siddhas, including Upendra, Padma-born, and Indra, fled in fear. Kālī appeared with an eye on her forehead, a crescent moon shining brightly on her head, a fierce trident at her throat, a sharp trident in her hand, and dreadful ornaments. Together with the goddess, adorned in divine garments and all ornaments, the leaders of siddhas and other siddhas, as well as piśācas, were born again. By the command of Pārvatī, the Supreme Lady, Daruka the demon, who was destroying the lords of the gods, was slain. Because of her intense wrath and agitation, the entire world became afflicted by the fire of her anger. Thus, the tale of the origin and deeds of Skanda’s elder brother and the fierce goddess Kālī is revealed, bringing understanding and happiness to all who hear it.