Having gained great merit and imperishable rewards, the gods joyfully returned to their celestial abode. It is said that those fortunate souls who, in this sacred city, perform bathing, charity, and worship, attain similar blessings. Therefore, the wise should always, with all their effort, perform these holy acts. In every age, this city is revered as Avanti. When the gods had spoken thus among themselves, they departed for their supreme abode. Whoever recites this auspicious, divine, and meritorious tale—which cleanses away sin—will be blessed: a man without a son will be granted a son, and one who is poor will find wealth. Having gained such merit, a person is ever honored in the realm of Shiva. Now, listen attentively as I explain further. Tripura, the great demon, was always the lord over all the demon clans. In the heat, he worshipped fire; in the rainy season, he endured the tumult of clouds. He sustained himself on fallen leaves, drank only water, consumed air, and lived without shelter. In this way, for a thousand years, he performed severe and difficult austerities. At last, the Creator appeared before him and said, “O best of demons, choose the boon you desire from me.” Thus addressed, the demon Tripura replied, “With gods, celestial beings, gandharvas, spirits, serpents, and rakshasas...” But as soon as he had spoken, Brahma vanished from that place. From that time onward, the mighty demon began a terrible slaughter of the gods. He established Tripura and other moving cities wherever he wished, and with his mind corrupted, he committed destruction by many means. No fire sacrifices were performed, nor was soma ever drunk. The sacred utterances—‘svāhā’, ‘svadhā’, and ‘vaṣaṭ’—were forgotten. There were no temples for the gods, nor any worship of Shiva. People of good conduct disappeared; compassion and respect for humanity were absent. Thus, Vyasa, in that city, the world was nearly destroyed. Because of Tripura, the hosts of gods were nearly annihilated, their strength broken. Uniting together, the gods consulted with one another about the cause of their suffering. They journeyed together to the most excellent Mahakala forest. There lies the divine city of Avanti, honored by all sacred waters. There, after performing bathing, charity, recitation, and offerings at the lake of Rudra, Brahma spoke, “O God of gods, great Lord, remover of fear for your devotees! Tripura, lord of the demons, has become a great destroyer of the gods. After establishing three vast cities, he now moves about freely, bringing ruin to all beings, both moving and unmoving. All the hermitages of sages and the dwellings of ascetics have been destroyed; the gods, deprived of their kingdoms, have been defeated. Now, because of the wicked Tripura, the gods wander the earth as mortals do. Therefore, let every possible effort be made to bring about his destruction.” Hearing these words of Brahma, whose mind was resolute, the Lord replied, “I will devise a means of victory over this wicked demon. But you all must undertake austerities, desiring your own victory.