Listen, O Devi, to this tale as spoken by the great ones: There was a time when, in the course of a sacrifice, the animal meant for offering transformed itself into a swift deer. I pursued it and struck it with an arrow, and its blood was spilled upon the earth. Because of the scent of a goat that arose from this act, the gods gave me the name Ajagaṃdha, "He of Goat Scent." Thus, Ajagaṃdha became my name, and I vowed to provide other forms of food as well. Now, radiant Kalaratri, best among women, hear from me about a particular kind of food appropriate for those beings. O queen of the gods, this food is intended for women who are pregnant, or who wear the garments of another, or who touch another woman—or especially a man. Even if someone, by force, takes a child just one year old from the earth, let such as these eat and remain content for hundreds of years. Others, who are not honored, may find their way into the birthing chamber by seizing upon a breach. O queen of the gods, those who steal newborn infants will dwell in houses, fields, ponds, lakes, and gardens. Among them, some women who constantly weep will have their bodies consumed by others, while some will find satisfaction. Hearing this, Shivaduti spoke: "What you have offered is contemptible and brings suffering to the people. You do not understand how to give the true essence of Shankara. That which brings shame and afflicts the people should not be given as their food, O Shankara." Then Rudra replied: "When Skanda was consecrated by me in Avanti, at the time of his ceremonial head-shaving, the mothers arrived and prepared an unprecedented food. Hosts of gods descended from heaven to partake of the mothers' offering. In that house were gathered the foremost gods—Brahma, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Yakshas, all the Guhyakas, the peaks of Meru, rivers like Ganga, all the Nagas, elephants, Siddhas, birds, and destroyers of demons. Dakinis, Vetalas, and all the planets were present as well. O Devi, what need is there to mention all that was created by Brahma? All that food was freely given, chosen and celestial. Then Shivaduti said: 'Give them the food prepared, rare even in heaven. It is made with affection, sweetened, delightful, well-cooked, and carefully prepared—sometimes eaten by none other, O Supreme Lord.' Thus addressed, the great god Maheshvara spoke for their sake, in the presence of Parvati: 'I have prepared food by many methods, but all has now been expended—nothing else remains. Now that you have come, tell me what I should give—what unprecedented thing should I offer 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 they desire in their hearts will be granted by me; but those who mock, with long teeth, will become poor. Therefore, one who knows should not engage in ridicule or laughter. You, revered mothers, will become renowned in this world.' Those men who, in offerings, present cakes of chickpeas and fried cakes together with testicles during the festival of Kaumudi—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. Such a man 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 as you requested. You asked about what causes shame—listen to what I say: Victory to you, O Caṇḍikā! Victory, remover of beings! Victory, all-pervading goddess! O Kālarātri, I bow to you. O embodiment of the universe, pure one, three-eyed with uneven eyes; of terrible form, auspicious one, knowledge, great illusion, vast-bellied. Conqueror of the mind, fortress of the mind, wide-eyed, destroyer of agitation; great disease, wondrous-limbed, lover of song and dance, auspicious one. O fierce one, great Kāli, Kālikā, destroyer of sin; holding a noose, holding a staff, with a terrible hand, fearsome one. O Caṇḍikā, with blazing mouth, sharp-toothed, of great strength; beloved of Shiva's vehicle, goddess, seated on a corpse, auspicious one. O wide-eyed, terrifying goddess, bringer of fear to all beings; fierce, monstrous, great Kāli, dreadful one. O Kālikā, fierce and powerful, O Kālarātri, I bow to you; O goddess bearing all weapons, salutation to you, worshipped by the gods.' Thus praised by Rudra, the supreme lord, the supreme goddess Śivadūtī was pleased and spoke: 'Choose a boon, O Lord of the gods—whatever dwells in your heart.' Rudra replied: 'O beautiful-faced goddess, whoever praises you with this hymn, you shall grant them boons, ever-present and true. Whoever ascends this mountain and worships you with devotion—' Thus, the story unfolds, with the gods and goddesses exchanging offerings, boons, and praises, establishing the sacred traditions and blessings for those who honor them with devotion and respect.