In ancient times, a woman of the highest virtue was born, radiant in her qualities just as the goddess Umā herself. During the sacred weighing ceremony, she was to adorn herself with two divine emblems, honoring the deities as prescribed. Whatever was given, offered, or recited at this auspicious moment multiplied a millionfold in merit. There was no doubt that, upon leaving this world, such a woman would ascend to the celestial realms of the Gandharvas and Apsarases. Witnessing this supreme attainment, the couple, after worshipping with fragrant flowers, could themselves aspire to reach the world of Rudra. Just as the true form of the goddess is never separated, so too, O Brahmin, all the women who performed these rites faithfully ascended to heaven. To the south, behind the goddess’s sanctum, lies the Maheṣa pond, a place of great sanctity. There, if a man bathes and carefully worships the divine Mothers, he too partakes in this sacred merit. But how, it is asked, was the demon Maheṣa vanquished in Rudra’s field? In that hallowed ground, the great Lord, glowing with the brilliance of Brahma’s energy, took up a fragment of a skull. He shone forth like a blazing flame, sporting in divine play and bewildering even the gods. Arriving at the most sacred field where the Lord resided, he placed the flaming skull before his hosts of attendants. With a mighty roar, his followers resounded in all ten directions. That terrible sound reached Maheṣa, the demon scourge of the gods. Unable to bear it, seized by wrath, the wicked and unconquerable demon gathered around him tens of millions of fierce, battle-ready demons. Observing the threat, the Lord, bearer of the Pinaka bow, addressed his hosts: “He comes swiftly—therefore, you must slay him.” As Maheṣa approached, the hosts of gods showered him with arrows, swords, and maces. When the demon was finally slain, the great Lord spoke to the gods. At that moment, Vyasa, from the skull arose fierce Bhairavas, who rushed forth to report to the great Lord. Thus, in that field, the Mothers of the Skull became renowned, endowed with immense power. Long ago, when the skull had been established and split open, this power came into being. Even today, that great and divine lake shines forth at the site. No matter how water is used there—whether placed in a vessel, poured, cold, hot, or boiled—the sanctity remains. In ages past, Brahmā himself, surrounded by hundreds of deities, came to that place. Those who relinquish their lives there attain the world of Rudra. Those who bathe in the Rudra lake, or even drink its waters, are blessed, and the gods who dwell in heaven constantly long for such merit. This sacred site, the great Kapāla, is auspicious, divine, and the destroyer of unrighteousness. Worshipped by gods and demons alike, it is praised by hosts of accomplished ascetics devoted to austerity, shining in glory like the sun in the sky. There also stands the self-manifested Kuṭuṃbikeśvara of Maheśa, renowned through the ages. Whoever worships there is freed from all sins, even those accumulated over seven births. Surpassing all worlds, such a person attains the world of Śiva. Whatever offering is made on its banks, the giver attains the highest state. And by a single fast alone at this sacred spot, one gains the fruit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice.