Salutations were offered to Śiva, the supreme Self and creator of all worlds. The original, inseparable power, manifest as Śiva, was praised. The Lord was acknowledged as having another half—his form composed of the very essence of Śiva and Śakti, united. Through his divine play, this world reaches dissolution at the time of cosmic destruction; with but half a blink of his eye, he withdraws all the shining powers. Therefore, the devotees pleaded for compassion from the eternal Sadāśiva, the embodiment of mercy. Hearing these words from the devoted and accomplished Siddhas, the goddess lifted the covering from Hara’s eyes. The Siddhas, bowing in reverence, asked, “How much time has passed?” The Lord, seeing his beloved, smiled gently. He spoke, “O innocent one, without reflection you acted, causing the destruction of the worlds. I too shall withdraw all the worlds at the time of dissolution. Who else but someone like you would do such a blameworthy deed?” Hearing Śambhu’s words, the goddess became anxious, fearing the loss of righteousness. But the Lord, his mind appeased and overflowing with compassion, spoke again. “What atonement is prescribed for you, who are my very form? The Vedas, Smṛtis, ritual procedures, sciences, and the wise—all must be regarded as not different from the revered goddess who desires to create the worlds. Therefore, your atonement will be prescribed according to the nature of the worlds. If the master is not to be obeyed, then he should be abandoned by his dependents. I alone, abiding in myself, shall perform all the austerities. By the touch of your lotus feet, and even by the sight of your penance, for the sake of your preeminence on the field of action, perform virtuous deeds. Let your mind be firmly fixed in righteousness—of this there is no doubt. You alone, O goddess, are declared by the eternal Vedas to be all this.” She, who makes the earth appear as if filled with gods, just like heaven, is constantly desired by all the gods and sages, who wish to dwell there. For mortals who reside there, millions of sins tremble. The land is abundant with cool, full shade, flowers, fruits, and tender shoots, and hosts of various kinds—Dakinis and groups of yoginis. And Śiva himself, becoming without parts, dwells in the lotus of her mind. Thus addressed by the Lord of gods, the goddess went to Kampa, the pure river much frequented by hosts of sages. The river was filled with fruits and flowers and resounded with the calls of cuckoos. Her body, surrounded by the fire of desire, became emaciated through austerity. She was afflicted by longing and sorrow, distressed by separation from the enemy of the cities—Śiva. Night and day she came there, worshiping the Lord with austerities that remove sin, even by herself. How indeed can separation from Śiva be endured, when the mind is greatly agitated by the god of love? She consoled herself with hundreds of hymns, employing means and visions of Śiva. For, O Goddess, you have always been inseparable from the god Śambhu.