Having invoked the Vedas in this manner, the speaker prayed that his grandfather, the revered Brahmā, might be pleased. The glories of the sacred Maṇḍākinī were then described: all the merits found at every holy water are present there as well. Indeed, giving in charity at Maṇḍākinī yields rewards ten million times greater—this is certain and beyond doubt. There, in the month of Kārtikā, the offering of a cow made of ghee, or in Māgha, one made of sesame, brings immense merit. All sins—those committed by speech, mind, or action, even the most grievous impurities—are destroyed simply by beholding the Maṇḍākinī. No other sacred place on earth equals it. Whoever bathes in the Maṇḍākinī and offers śrāddha, or who, with devotion, beholds the Grandfather, Brahmā, is assured of the highest blessings. This is the truth—there can be no doubt, O ascetics. At that time, Maheśvara, the great Lord Śiva, stood there, his appearance wild and awe-inspiring. The Brāhmaṇas, seeing him thus, cursed him, while others hurled reproaches. Proud of their own strength, they struck him with clods of earth and sticks. They questioned his conduct, asking by whom such a vow had ever been shown, whether by Brahmā or even by Viṣṇu himself. They warned, "Do not mock the Lord of gods! Today, you are condemned to death by us." But the supreme Lord Śiva only smiled and addressed them gently, saying, "All of you are compassionate, established in the spirit of friendship." Yet, those twice-born Brāhmaṇas were deluded by the illusion of that god. Struck by their blows, Śiva became extremely angry. He declared that those who had attacked him would, in future, have their hair tied up, carry clubs, and live off the wives of others. They would lose their sons, their fathers’ wealth, and their knowledge. They would be forced to beg fiercely, subsisting on the food of others. However, he also proclaimed that those Brāhmaṇas who had shown him compassion while he was being struck would be blessed: women born in noble families would become his favorites. When the twice-born realized that the one they had encountered was none other than Śaṅkara himself, they departed. They bathed in Rudra’s lake and recited the Śatarudriya hymn in praise. The speaker affirmed, "I have not spoken falsehood; how can there be happiness for those who act according to their own will alone?" Those Brāhmaṇas who are peaceful, self-controlled, and devoted to Śiva, as well as those who are devoted to Janārdana and engaged in Agnihotra rituals, are protected from misfortune. For those whose minds are established in friendship, no harm can befall them. Thus, having received both curse and boon from the great Lord of gods, the Brāhmaṇas stood before Brahmā and pleased him with their prayers. By Brahmā’s words, all the foremost among the twice-born were satisfied. Some of the sages said, "Let us choose the Vedas." Others replied, "What need have we of wealth when the Grandfather is pleased?" They prayed for peaceful and prosperous worlds to arise for them through the granting of boons. Yet, for the sake of the boon, some became ready to fight one another, while others remained indifferent or kept silent. Among all holy places, Maṇḍākinī is the foremost; among sacred fields, it is the highest. And so, after this conversation, the chief of the sages immediately took up residence there, honoring the sanctity of that supreme place.