When the circle of divine Mothers implored her, Durgā rose to confront the mighty buffalo-demon. With fierce determination, she attacked the demon Kāśara, and as he fell, a tremendous, roaring sound echoed across the realms. Strangled at the throat by Durgā’s power, the demon—enemy of the immortals—lost his life. In this way, Durgā destroyed Kāśara, the sole thorn troubling all the worlds. How astonishing was the valor of Durgā, the remover of misfortune! As Bhadrakālī slew the buffalo-demon, Gaurī, holding her sword, bowed reverently with another hand. Witnessing Durgā’s joyful dance after her victory, compassion stirred within those present. They acknowledged, “O dweller on Vindhya, by you, a most difficult deed has been accomplished. Now, remove this impure and terrifying buffalo’s head.” Thus addressed by Gaurī, Durgā, her mind filled with disgust at the demon’s remains, was urged by Gautama, “O goddess, create a new sacred place that destroys sin.” Anxious about the lingering evil, Durgā split the stone surface, opening a pathway down to the netherworld. She immersed herself in the deep, pure waters that flowed there. At that moment, the liṅga that had been at the neck of the buffalo fell to the ground. Emerging from the sacred waters of the tīrtha, Durgā was cleansed of all sins. She circumambulated and bowed to the Lord, destroyer of sins. Seeing Durgā freed from all impurity before their very eyes, Pārvatī gave her approval for the slaying of Mahiṣāsura without delay. Durgā took and consumed the auspicious liṅga of the demon. Indeed, meditation upon her alone destroys all the sins of the worlds, yet, following the custom of the world, she performed this purifying act. There is a certain rite that cleanses the impurity of the inner mind. This is Aruṇādri, manifest before them, yet concealed by the mountain of fire. Gautama instructed, “O Kātyāyanī, you must perform worship and austerity there.” Thus addressed, the Mother undertook penance from that moment onward, standing amidst five fires. The daughter of the mountain shone like a golden rod, radiant and resplendent. On the auspicious full-moon day of Kārttikī, a wondrous light appeared, possessing an unconditioned, transcendent splendor. All around, gods and hosts of divine sages worshipped this light. Seeing the great radiance, Pārvatī was filled with wonder and praised the Lord of Aruṇādri with heartfelt devotion: “Salutations to you, wielder of the bow of Meru, dweller upon Mount Kailāsa. Salutations to you, honored by Varuṇa and other gods, radiant as the young sun. Victory to you, whose crest is adorned with the crescent moon, the ornament of Jahnu’s daughter. Victory to you, whose union with the mountain’s daughter brings forth the glory of Kāma. Victory to you, whose blissful dance is joined with the twilight hour. Victory to you, father of Heramba; victory to you, who cherishes Ṣaṇmukha.” Having offered these praises again and again, Pārvatī fixed her gaze upon that divine radiance, filled with awe and reverence.