The gods looked on in awe as the maiden appeared before them, radiant and accompanied by a vast and dazzling army of many forms. She carried the skin and head of Ruru, a sight that astonished all who witnessed her. Having taken her seat of penance, the Supreme Goddess was soon surrounded by illustrious goddesses, who attended to her with reverence. Driven by hunger, these goddesses approached the Supreme Goddess and pleaded, “We are hungry, O Goddess. Grant us the boon of food.” Hearing their plea, the goddess meditated deeply to find suitable nourishment for them, but despite her efforts, no fitting food could be found. Seeking guidance, she turned her thoughts to Mahādeva, Rudra, the mighty Lord of Creatures. Through her meditation, the Supreme Self—three-eyed Shiva—manifested before her. Rudra addressed the goddess, “What task do you wish to accomplish? Speak, O Goddess, great enchantress, whatever is in your mind.” Shiva’s emissary then spoke, “O God, you dwell among the goats, taking their form. These goddesses wish to devour you as their desired food, with reverence. O Lord of gods, please provide them something suitable for their nourishment, for these mighty ones threaten me with their tridents in their hunger. Otherwise, they may even devour me forcibly; therefore, seeing my plight, quickly provide them suitable food.” Rudra replied, “Śivadūtī, let me tell you of something that happened in a former age. At Gaṅgādvāra, my attendants destroyed Dakṣa’s sacrifice. There, the sacrificial animal became a deer and ran swiftly. I pierced it with an arrow, and it was sprinkled with blood. Then, having the scent of a goat, the gods named me Ajagaṃdha. You shall also be called Ajagaṃdha, and I will give other food as well.” He continued, “O Devi, listen: I will tell you of a food suitable for them, O radiant Kalaratri, O best among women. Any woman who is pregnant, or who wears another woman’s clothing, or who touches another woman, especially a man—O beautiful one—even if someone forcibly takes a child just one year old from the earth—let the goddesses eat and remain content for many hundreds of years. Others, unhonored, may seize a breach in the birthing chamber. Those who steal newborns will dwell in homes, fields, ponds, lakes, and gardens. Among them, those women who constantly weep will have their bodies consumed by others, and some will attain satisfaction.” Shivaduti protested, “What you have given is contemptible, causing distress to the people; you do not understand how to give the essence of Shankara. That which brings shame and afflicts the people should not be given as their food, O Shankara.” Rudra responded, “When Skanda was consecrated by me in Avanti, at the completion of the ceremonial shaving of the boy’s head, the mothers arrived and prepared an unprecedented food. The hosts of gods came from heaven to partake of the mothers’ offering. In their house, the foremost gods—Brahma, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Yakshas, Guhyakas, the peaks of Meru, rivers like Ganga, Nagas, elephants, Siddhas, birds, destroyers of demons, Dakinis, Vetalas, and all the planets—were present. O Devi, what need is there to mention what was created here by Brahma? All that food was freely chosen and celestial.” Shivaduti then requested, “Give them the food prepared, rare even in heaven. It is prepared with affection, sweetened, delightful, well-cooked, and carefully made; sometimes eaten by none other, O Supreme Lord.” Thus addressed, Maheshvara spoke for the sake of their nourishment, in the presence of Parvati, “I have prepared food by many methods; all has been expended, and nothing else is seen here. Now that you have arrived, tell me what I should give; what unprecedented thing should I give especially to you all? I have not tasted it, nor has anyone else, and I give it to you for eating. Below my navel are two round things, resembling fruits. Eat together these two long testicles of mine; and by this food, you will attain supreme satisfaction.” Having received this great offering, all the goddesses stood before Shiva, bowed, and spoke, “Those men who perform auspicious acts without mockery shall have wealth, cattle, sons, wives, and all household prosperity. Whatever else is desired in their minds will be granted by us. But those who mock, with long teeth, become poor. Therefore, one who knows should not engage in ridicule or laughter. You, revered mothers, will become renowned in this world.” Shiva further declared, “Those men who, in offerings, present cakes of chickpeas and fried cakes together with testicles during the festival of Kaumudi—along with their relatives and kinsmen—their lineage will not be cut off. A sonless man will obtain a son, and one seeking wealth will gain wealth. He will be handsome, fortunate, enjoy pleasures, and be learned in all scriptures; he will be honored in the world of Brahma, riding in a vehicle drawn by swans. O Śivadūtī, I have thus given them food; you asked what causes shame—listen to what I say.” Thus, the goddess and her attendants received the unprecedented offering, and the divine instructions were set forth, ensuring prosperity and renown for all who honored this sacred act with reverence.