In an instant, before the sage, as living beings dwelled upon the earth, the presence of the divine became manifest. The Lord, Śambhu, stood as the support of immeasurable virtues, bestowing desired boons upon all who sought him. Having fulfilled her wish, the virtuous one was assured that she would again take refuge in Śambhu, for not only did her austerities grant her the fruit she desired, but even the gods themselves performed austerities, suspecting some deeper reason behind her devotion. Those who dwelled with her, observing her vow, joined in reverence, sharing in her dedication. Upon hearing the sage’s words, full of meaning and wisdom, the goddess reflected: what further austerity could be needed, now that her vision of the divine had been attained? She marveled at the wonder of the earth, for upon it, sights greater than those of heaven had been revealed to her. By Śiva’s grace, her wish was fulfilled, and the true place of her own self was made known. She prayed that her unity with the god might always remain inseparable. In the presence of Gautama, awareness awakened within her, and she prepared to act with reverence. Her body was delicate, her eyes like lotuses, and her upper garment was shaped by her full, high breasts. Through many disciplines, special austerities, and sacrifices, she attained wondrous states of yogic union. Though engaged in various austerities, the slender goddess never experienced fatigue. As Gaurī continued her austerities, the gods, distressed by their troubles, came and bowed to her, seeking her refuge. Overcome by fear, they pleaded, “O goddess, grant us freedom from fear!” They revealed that their terror was caused by the lord of the demons, who had brought all the directional elephants, including Airavata, into his own palace for his amusement, accompanied by women. In his splendid stables, hundreds of thousands of horses could be seen. He had even taken Yama’s buffalo and made it pull a cart. The entire host of Apsarases had been summoned for his service. Angry and relentless, he would not rest until he had seized all that had not been given to him. Honoring his command, the gods saw no other path. This Daitya, they explained, was an unconquerable hero even among the mighty. It was said that the ocean itself had been split by the blow of his horn, and in his arrogance, he could lift up mountains with the tip of his horn. His incomparable strength could not be withstood by anyone else. Yet, the supreme power of Shiva was now seen here in the form of a woman. “O goddess,” they said, “we do not know anything of Shiva’s actions.” Hearing their auspicious words, spoken in fear, Gaurī replied, “I, established in asceticism, protect those who seek refuge. By means of a strategy, I will draw in and slay the great Asura. Those who break dharma in the realm of dharma become like moths drawn to the flame.” With their fears relieved and hearts joyful, the gods departed as they had come. When they had gone, Gaurī, the lotus-eyed goddess, wandered in all directions and upon the four peaks of the reddish mountains. When the mountain maiden descended from the summit of Kailasa, she encountered Dundubhi, known as Satyavati, and another, named Anavami.