On a serene and auspicious night—the thirteenth day—an exalted goddess addressed the twice-born, saying, “I shall dwell here tonight.” With a gentle smile, she declared, “Let this sacred tirtha become renowned by my name.” In reply, the pure-hearted devotee was assured, “This holy place shall also be known by your name.” She then proclaimed a great boon: “Whoever bathes here at the junction of night on the thirteenth day will be blessed.” She promised, “My presence shall always remain here, O best of the twice-born.” Having spoken these words, the goddess vanished before their eyes, leaving everyone astonished by the divine influence that now permeated the site. Thus concluded the twenty-first chapter, called “The Greatness of the Piṇḍodaka Tīrtha,” within the Arbudakhaṇḍa section of the Prabhāsa Book of the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. The goddess bestows all desires upon people, both in this world and the next. She is the all-pervading power that fills the entire universe. Long ago, in the age of the gods, a demon king named Kaliṅga arose. His might spread across all three worlds, both moving and unmoving, and he reached the realm of Brahmā, accompanied by all the gods. His presence struck terror into gods and humans alike. The Vasus, Maruts, Sādhyas, Viśvadevas, and divine sages—all were afflicted, and the demons themselves consumed the shares of the sacrifices. Even today, the tale of what was taken from the gods is renowned throughout the three worlds. Out of intense fear, the gods became invisible and remained hidden. Some survived on a single meal, some fasted, others lived on air alone. Still others practiced severe austerities, enduring great hardships. Some devoted themselves to recitation and offerings, others became absorbed in meditation. All worshipped the supreme goddess, seeking liberation from the bondage of actions. A thousand years passed in this way. Then, a terrifying form made of smoke appeared. Upon seeing her, the gods, with hands joined in reverence, praised her: “Salutations to you, O all-pervading goddess; salutations to you, worshipped by all. Salutations to you, supreme goddess; repeated salutations to you, source of Brahma. Salutations to you, lotus-eyed one; repeated salutations to you, mother of the universe. O goddess, abiding in your own true form, you are also the mark of worldly existence. You are growth, you are the path, the doer; you are Śacī, Lakṣmī, and Pārvatī. And whatever else exists in the three worlds as ‘existence,’ O goddess of the gods, you are that. Just as wood is by fire, and cloth is by thread, everything is sustained by you.” The goddess then spoke: “Ask quickly for your desired boon, O best of gods. Why do you remain here in secrecy, dwelling in the midst of the cave?” The gods replied, “By him—Kaliṅga—this entire threefold world, with all that moves and does not move, is pervaded. Our share of the sacrifice has been taken and given to the demons. By slaying the demons, let Śakra (Indra) regain his rightful place again.” The goddess replied, “There is no particular distinction for me between the two, O best of gods. Therefore, I shall restrain them and restore Śakra and the others to heaven again.” She commanded, “Messenger, go swiftly to the demon Kaliṅga and tell him: ‘Leave heaven at once. The revered mother, worshipped by the gods, is supreme. Return quickly to your own place; let Indra go to heaven.’” In her own heart, she reflected, “Thinking myself the lord of the worlds, I spoke these words with pride.” Thus, the greatness of the goddess and the sacred tirtha was revealed, and the gods’ hopes were rekindled by her promise.