Time itself, the great fire at the end of an age, the wheel that never ceases, the eternal lover of sacrifices, moves all things. Time is the shaper and expander, the very universe, and the silent witness to every act, whether good or bad. At the dawn of creation, Brahmā appeared, radiant and red, ushering in a new day. In that sacred moment, Vishnu recited a divine collection of eight hundred names. He who recites these faces no adversity anywhere; his path is always auspicious. Such a one attains supreme brilliance, wisdom, great gain, and knowledge, reaching the highest state. It is said that when one beholds the shining face of Keśava, glowing like a padmarāga gem and the sun itself, the place near Keśava and the sun is known as Reṇu Tīrtha. Thus concludes the chapter describing the glory of Keśava Āditya, as told in the section on the sanctity of the Avantī region within the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa. It was at Reṇu Tīrtha that Shiva, the auspicious one, once fashioned the matted locks of Skanda. There too, after the demon Tāraka—enemy of the gods—was slain, a great mystery unfolded. The question arose: How was Skanda born? The sages wished to know this. Sanatkumāra replied: In ancient times, during the fierce battle between the gods and the demons, the gods were defeated. Their king, Indra, undertook intense austerity, seeking a way to restore their strength. Pleased by his devotion, Mahādeva appeared before Śakra, the king of the gods. Indra beseeched him, "O Supreme Lord, grant the gods a great commander. Among all commanders, grant us Mahāsena, he who removes the fear of the gods." Having spoken, Lord Hara, master of all beings, vanished from their sight and withdrew to the Devadāru forest, where he remained absorbed in knowledge and meditation. Those of disciplined minds devoted themselves to meditation and the practice of breath control, yet none could discern the purpose of Mahādeva’s meditation, for he was absorbed in the highest truth. Meanwhile, in the prime of her youth, Sati, daughter of Daksha, lived. Angered that her husband had not been invited to her father’s sacrifice, she thought of no other but Bhava, wishing only to become his wife. She wondered, "How indeed will Lord Shankara become my husband?" At this time, the gods assembled, placing the destroyer of armies at their forefront. They offered praise and spoke together. Then Brahmā addressed them: "The purpose is clear and has been considered. So act, O lords of the gods, that the Lord of the gods may desire Parvati." Gathering at Mount Meru, the gods again performed a sacred ritual. The great god resolved to create the commander of the army from his own body. Having made this decision, the Lord of the gods quickly summoned Kāma, the god of love. "O Kāma," he said, "arrange it so that the god may desire the goddess." Hearing Hari’s words, Kāma smiled and agreed. At that moment, after Kāma’s words, Indra acted as well. With Madhu and Mitra, Kāma set out with his wife to where the Lord of the gods dwelled in the Devadāru forest. There, sheltered by a mango tree, Kāma prepared his most enchanting arrow. The great god, momentarily abandoning his meditation and vows, became joyful, though not yet fully aware or delighted. In that moment, he saw Desire itself, sheltered by the mango tree, and was filled with anger.