Desiring to reveal her own divine power of illusion, Parvati received a sacred command and approached the place chosen by Shiva. There, the path of austerity she was to undertake had already been established through Shiva’s design. For the protection of the world depended upon her, the very embodiment of the universe itself. Within herself, Parvati fixed her mind in deep meditation on the absolute, undivided Shiva. The conduct of her foremost devotees reflected her own practices, shining as examples of her path. Hearing these profound instructions, Gauri became unwavering in her resolve. She removed her various ornaments and instead adorned herself with clusters of sacred rudraksha beads. Gathering her hair, she quickly fashioned it into matted locks, embracing the life of an ascetic. Finding contentment among the gentle deer, she lived by gleaning what she needed, taking only what was necessary. Each day, she performed the threefold ritual bath in the pure waters of the Kampā river. She planted trees, gave generous gifts, and honored all guests who came to her, upholding the highest dharma. During the heat of summer, she stood amidst five blazing fires; in the rainy season, she lay directly upon the earth. Always, she sought the company of virtuous and noble sages who would arrive to see her. Sometimes, she herself would venture into the forest to gather tender shoots for sustenance. On the pure banks of the Kampā, Parvati shaped a linga from sand and worshipped it with utmost devotion. She offered worship to the Sun, using red flowers and sandalwood as prescribed. With incense, lamps, and offerings of food, she performed her rituals with a heart full of devotion. Then, to test Ambika’s steadfastness, the god Shiva himself appeared. Suddenly, a great flood of the Kampā river surged forward. Shiva called out, “Arise, O Goddess! A mighty flood is swelling forth.” Hearing these words, Parvati closed her eyes in meditation and reflected deeply. She was troubled by this obstacle to her worship, for the virtuous on earth generally attain auspiciousness without hindrance. She realized that the sand linga, the focus of her devotion, would be washed away by the overwhelming flood—an event brought about by Shiva’s own maya. With unwavering determination, Parvati embraced the sand linga with both arms, holding it firmly so it would not be disturbed. As she pressed close, the tip of her breast left its mark upon the linga. Absorbed in meditation, her heart fixed solely on her divine concentration, Parvati stood unmoved. From her arose trembling, sweat, modesty, affection, and a playful intimacy, all as she clung to her worship. At that moment, a divine voice embodied itself and spoke to her: “This sand linga, worshipped by you, will possess enduring glory. Witnessing your austerity and the dharma you have upheld, I have manifested in a radiant form upon the earth. I shall obstruct the harsh accumulation of sin from all the worlds. The sages, accomplished Gandharvas, and great-souled yogis know of this. In the past, during the battle between Brahma and Krishna, the essence of intoxication arose from both their lineages. Brahma took the form of a swan, and Vishnu that of a boar. Pleased and manifest, I granted the desired boon there.” Thus, Parvati’s devotion and unwavering practice were blessed, and the glory of her worship was established for all time.