In the sacred assembly, one of its members took up a skull and cast it away with his own hand. Yet, O best of sages, even after this act, the end of the skulls was not attained; their mystery and significance remained unresolved. Moved by unwavering devotion, the great Lord Maheśvara was pleased and revealed himself in a divine vision. He spoke graciously, "O Brahman, choose a boon—whatever abides in your heart, let it be granted." Then, bestowing supreme favor, Maheśvara declared, "This highest place of Brahma, O four-faced one, I have given to you." As Parameśvara, the giver of boons, spoke these words, I addressed the assembly and affirmed, "No other boon was chosen by me." Thus, the matter was settled. In the land of Kuśasthalī, a settlement was established, known as Ujjayinī. There, any Brāhmaṇa who bathes is freed from all sins. In this holy place, one should offer sesame seeds, garments, fruits, and cakes—first as gifts to the Ṛgveda and the Yajurveda. By invoking the Vedas in this way, may my revered grandfather be pleased. Whatever merit is found at all the sacred waters is equally present at Maṇḍākinī. Know this without doubt: charity given at Maṇḍākinī yields a ten-million-fold reward. In the month of Kārtikā, a cow made of ghee, and in Māgha, a cow made of sesame, are offered. All sin—whether arising from speech, mind, or action, even the most grievous impurity—is destroyed merely by beholding Maṇḍākinī. Indeed, no sacred place on earth equals Maṇḍākinī. Whoever, after bathing in Maṇḍākinī, performs śrāddha, and whoever with devotion always beholds the grandfather, attains great merit. This is the truth, O ascetics; there is no doubt about it. Meanwhile, Maheśvara, in his wild and mad appearance, stood upright among the assembly. Some Brāhmaṇas, offended, cursed him, while others spoke harsh words. Proud of their own strength, they struck him with clods and sticks. They questioned the propriety of his conduct, asking, "By whom was such a vow ever observed? Was it ever performed by Brahmā or Viṣṇu themselves?" They warned, "Do not mock the Lord of gods; today, you are condemned to death by us." But the supreme Lord only smiled and addressed all the Brāhmaṇas gently, "All of you are compassionate and established in the spirit of friendship." Yet, those twice-born were deluded by the illusion of that god. Struck by their actions, Maheśvara became extremely angry. He pronounced that those Brāhmaṇas, with hair tied up and carrying clubs, living off others' wives, would lose their sons, their fathers' wealth, and their knowledge. They would become fierce beggars, subsisting on others' food. But those Brāhmaṇas who showed compassion to him while he was being struck—women born in noble families among them would become his favorites. When the twice-born realized the true identity of the Lord as Śaṅkara, they departed. They bathed in Rudra's lake and recited the Śatarudriya hymn in atonement and praise. I have not spoken falsehood; how can there be happiness even among the self-willed? Yet those Brāhmaṇas who are peaceful, self-controlled, and devoted to me, and those who are devoted to Janārdana and engaged in Agnihotra rituals, are always protected. No misfortune befalls those whose minds are established in friendship.