Ganga, feeling a sense of solitude, thought to herself, “Now, I will go elsewhere; what is there here for me alone?” Quietly closing her eyes, she resolved to depart without drawing attention. Yet, true to her ever-affectionate nature, Ganga continued to nurture her sons, fulfilling her maternal duties even as she prepared to leave. Having made her decision, she swiftly withdrew from the Lord’s side. Accompanied by Calavati, Malyavati, Malini, Vijaya, and Jaya, Ganga wandered through sacred mountains, lush forests, and vibrant cities. Her journey took her to the foothills of the Sahya mountains, in the southern region known as Dravida, a place renowned for its peaceful retreats. As they traveled, a radiant red glow appeared on the horizon, illuminating the path ahead. In the valleys below, the hermitages of ascetics could be seen, nestled amidst the natural beauty. Ganga and her companions resolved, “Let us go and observe these holy hermitages.” In this way, dear friend, the daughter of the mountain gradually brought delight to the heart of her companion. The landscape was alive with wondrous sights: lizards skillfully drawing out threads, crocodiles carrying away even the waterweeds, and Camara antelopes with thick hair sweeping away refuse with their tails. Monkeys gathered fruits and flowers, while bears collected honey-laden leaves. The air was filled with the calls of cuckoos, owls, parrots, hawks, and the presence of deer, tigers, and green elephants. The fragrance of offerings from ancient sacrifices still lingered in the air. There, the enemies of crows—perhaps the ascetics themselves—recited the sacred Śatarudrīya hymn. Among the vegetable patches and rice fields, tigers and cows roamed side by side, reflecting the sanctity and harmony of the place. In one particularly beautiful and enchanting spot, beneath a seven-leaved tree, an ascetic sat upon a variegated tiger skin. His matted locks were tinged red like rice stalks, and his body was pale with sacred ash. His gaze was fixed at the tip of his nose, lips gently parted, absorbed in deep inner contemplation, hovering at the edge of the final state of sleep. Like a snare set for the destruction of the sixfold enemies within, Ganga, after performing the proper rites, approached this great ascetic. Nearby stood the revered Aruṇa mountain, celebrated in holy regions. Through the words of Vijaya and the others, the ascetic learned about Umā. He welcomed her as an honored guest, offering roots, tubers, fruits, and other forest fare. Beginning with the manifestation of the pillar of light, the sage narrated all the sacred events in their proper order. On the eastern side of Mount Shona lay the sacred place known as Sthalishvara, densely inhabited by the gods, including those from Vaikuntha and Parameshthi. At the foot of Mount Shona, called Pravala Mountain, the sage explained, “Therefore, right here, I established the Three-Eyed One.” Near his hermitage, he pointed out a great and holy field, and with the sage’s permission, Ganga accepted the hermitage as her own. To ensure the protection of the hermitage, Satyavati, who dwelled in the forest, was appointed. She was instructed to safeguard the entire sacred grove. Immediately, Satyavati bound her hair in a knot adorned with mandara flowers. She set aside her fine garment, marked with the emblem of a swan and as light as mist. Her tender fingers, unaccustomed to hardship, could not even pluck flowers, and her limbs, delicate as a diamond needle, were scratched by thorns as she began her new life in the forest.