Holding the mighty spear, the valiant child was anointed and honored amidst the assembled hosts of the gods. He became known by many illustrious names—Gangeya, Kartikeya, Guha, Skanda, and the son of Uma. Among his sixteen sacred names, Kumara, the bearer of the spear, shone brightly. Thus was born Mahasena, the great commander, destined to destroy the demons. In ancient times, Mahasena was consecrated and adorned; his matted locks were arranged with care. After his consecration, Maheshvara himself handed him weapons and entrusted him with a sacred duty: “O son, you must protect the cause of harmony for Indra.” When this great festival arose among the proud attendants of the gods, Shankara assigned each of them names according to the foods they desired. Those who longed for the fruit of the banyan were called the mothers of the banyan. Others, whom Shambhu had obtained for playful consumption by the Paulas, were also named accordingly. The sight of all these divine mothers was considered auspicious, warding off the influence of malignant beings. Empowered by the spear, Mahasena, the great vow-holder and general of the gods, fulfilled his mission. Having restored the prosperous kingdom, cleared of all threats, he returned it to Indra. After slaying the lord of the demons, the mighty son of the Ganges split open Bhogavati with his spear. All the sacred places on earth and those within the oceans were thus sanctified. Among them, Kotitirtha was declared supremely holy in all the three worlds. One who bathes at Kotitirtha and beholds Kotishvara Shiva, especially a man devoted to his ancestors who performs the rites of śrāddha there, accrues immeasurable merit. Whatever is offered at Kotitirtha for the sake of the ancestors, or whoever gives a milch cow at that sacred place, gains merit as countless as the hairs on the cow’s body and in its lineage. Whoever beholds the spear-bearing Lord on the full moon or new moon, or the best among men who enters the waters of that holy place, or a devotee who performs the rite of releasing a bull for the ancestors—all these acts bestow fruits surpassing even the gift of a hundred Kapilā cows. Even one who bathes with controlled senses in a mere pond there becomes honored like a forefather. Whoever offers, at night, the oil-named oblation for the divine mothers, or bathes in Vishnu’s pond during the months of Chaitra or Phalguna, is freed from all sins and ascends to Vishnu’s world. With a mind disciplined by devotion to Lord Abhayeshvara, such a person is reborn as a generous, sovereign king. If one beholds Lord Agastyeshvara, observing a fast and with senses restrained, he should fashion an image of Agastya from gold or silver, according to his ability, and worship with fruits and flowers available at the time, offering the seven principal grains and their corresponding fruits. This vow should be observed in this way for seven years. With reverence, salutations are offered to you, Kumbhayoni, son of Mitra and Varuna. O Vyasa, listen attentively to the fruit obtained by offering arghya: upon death, one attains heaven; if successful in this life, one is born in a noble family.