As the gods, who had once tasted defeat, gathered to partake of the nectar of immortality, a remarkable event unfolded. Amidst their ranks, Rāhu, the formidable being, managed to drink of the nectar as well, and by this act, he became liberated from death itself. Recognizing the new order, the gods reached a reconciliation with Rāhu and established him among the celestial grahas, or planetary deities. Yet, there remained a lingering fear of Rāhu. To protect themselves, the gods pierced the peak of the mountain, seeking refuge and favor from the great destroyer of desire. It was said that Rāhu, prone to anger, would surely seize the moon, and so, whenever an eclipse approached, it was prescribed that sacred rites—bathing, giving, and other meritorious acts—should be performed. By observing these rituals, no harm or distress would befall those who participated. Furthermore, it was declared that during the occurrence of an eclipse, the place known as Candrodbheda would gain renown throughout the world as a holy tirtha, or pilgrimage site. Whoever bathed there during an eclipse, or on the auspicious day of Soma (the moon), or even simply beheld that sacred place, would be blessed. Having spoken thus, the blessed Hara—Śiva—vanished from sight, leaving behind these instructions and blessings. Thus concludes the chapter describing the glory of Candrodbheda Tirtha, as recounted in the Arbudakhanda of the Skanda Purāṇa. Now, let us turn to the sacred place where Gauri, the most virtuous and renowned among women, performed her austerities. It is said that by merely seeing this site, a person is freed from sin, and even hearing of its greatness brings liberation from all wrongdoing. Long ago, as Gauri engaged in her penances, the gods, led by Indra, became anxious. They deliberated: "If the seed of the three-eyed one, Śiva, falls in the field of Gauri, the offspring born may be too powerful. For the destruction of such an offspring, we must act." With this resolve, the gods journeyed to Mount Kailāsa. There, the hosts of gods devised a plan and, through the agency of Vāyu, the wind god, conveyed a message to Bhava—Śiva—urging him not to produce offspring. Vāyu swiftly reached Śiva and delivered the message, which caused the great lord to be overcome with profound shame. Gauri, stricken with intense sorrow by these events, uttered a curse upon the dwellers of heaven: they, too, would be deprived of offspring. Because the wind had come to that secluded place, Gauri, absorbed in her husband’s wrath, sighed deeply and resolved to undertake intense austerities, controlling her speech, body, and mind, all for the sake of obtaining a son. Together with Indra and the other gods, she approached the sacred spot. There, Śiva himself, modest and compassionate, came to her side. Gauri declared her intent: "Having obtained a son, I will depart and remain with him, O lord of the gods." Knowing her steadfast resolve, Śiva granted her audience. Śiva spoke gently: "By granting sight and by speaking, O beautiful one, you have been released before the proper time; thus, our union has ended prematurely. Nevertheless, a son will be born to you, arising from your own body. Take from yourself your bodily impurity, in whatever form, O queen of the gods, and from that, a child will be created among the gods and demons alike." Thus addressed by the three-eyed lord, Gauri was satisfied. When the fourth day arrived, she bathed as prescribed, and by Hara’s command, she created Vināyaka, the four-armed deity, from her own being. Such is the sacred story of Candrodbheda Tirtha and the wondrous austerities of Gauri, as revealed in the Skanda Purāṇa.