With unwavering resolve, the Lord declared, “I alone, abiding in myself, shall undertake all austerities.” He spoke to the goddess, assuring her that the mere touch of her lotus feet, and even the sight of her penance, possessed immense power. For her greatness to shine forth in the field of action, he urged her to perform virtuous deeds, and to fix her mind firmly in righteousness, leaving no room for doubt. He reminded her, “You alone, O goddess, are proclaimed by the eternal Vedas to be all this.” She is the one who makes the earth appear as if it is filled with gods, just as heaven is, and all the gods and sages constantly yearn to dwell in her presence. Where she resides, millions of sins tremble for mortals who dwell there. Her domain abounds with cool, full shade, flowers, fruits, and tender shoots, and is inhabited by hosts of various beings—Dakinis and groups of yoginis. The Lord himself, becoming formless, dwells in the lotus of her mind. Thus addressed by the Lord of gods, the goddess journeyed to the sacred river Kampa, a pure river often frequented by hosts of sages. The banks of Kampa were rich with fruits and flowers and echoed with the melodious calls of cuckoos. There, her body was surrounded by the fire of desire, growing emaciated through her austerity. Afflicted by longing and sorrow, distressed by separation from Shiva—the enemy of the cities—she worshipped the Lord night and day, performing austerities that remove sin, even when alone. How could separation from Shiva be endured, when her mind was so greatly agitated by the god of love? She consoled herself with hundreds of hymns, employing various means and visions of Shiva. “O Goddess,” the Lord said, “you have always been inseparable from Shambhu. Now, you wish to reveal your own power of illusion.” Having received his command, Parvati approached the place devised by Shiva for her austerity. Otherwise, the protection of the world depended upon her, for she was the embodiment of the universe. Meditating on the absolute, undivided Shiva, established within herself, she followed the conduct of her foremost devotees, which was a collection of her own practices. Hearing these words, Gauri became steadfast in mind. She removed various ornaments and adorned herself with clusters of rudraksha beads. Quickly, she fashioned her locks into a matted form and found satisfaction among the deer, living by gleaning. She performed the threefold ritual bath in the pure waters of the Kampa. She planted trees, gave gifts, and honored all guests. During the summer, she stood amidst five fires; in the rainy season, she lay on the ground. She did this to see the virtuous great sages who had arrived. Sometimes, she herself would gather tender shoots from the forest. On the pure bank of the Kampa river, she made a sand linga and worshipped the Sun in the prescribed manner with red flowers and sandalwood, offering incense, lamps, and food with deep devotion. Then, Shiva himself appeared to test Ambika. At that moment, a very great flood of the Kampa river approached.