In those days, the city was plunged into darkness and neglect. The sacred utterances—“svāhā,” “svadhā,” and “vaṣaṭ”—had vanished from the lips of its people. There were no temples for the gods, nor any worship offered to Shiva. Good conduct was nowhere to be found; compassion and respect for humanity had faded away. Vyasa, in that city, the world itself teetered on the brink of destruction. It was all because of Tripura, the lord of the demons. His power had grown so immense that the hosts of gods themselves were nearly destroyed, their strength overcome. In their despair, the gods formed an alliance and gathered together to consult and take counsel. They spoke among themselves, seeking the cause of their distress. Together, the gods journeyed to the most excellent Mahakala forest, where the divine city of Avanti stands, honored by all sacred waters. There, they performed sacred rites: bathing, giving, recitation, and offering in the lake of Rudra. After these acts, Brahma addressed Shiva, the God of gods, the great Lord who removes fear from his devotees. “O Great Lord,” Brahma said, “Tripura, the lord of the demons, has become a great destroyer of the gods. He has established three vast cities and now moves about freely, bringing ruin to all beings, both moving and unmoving. The hermitages of sages and the dwellings of ascetics have been destroyed. The gods, deprived of their kingdoms, have been defeated. Because of this wicked Tripura, the gods wander as mortals do. Therefore, let us consider, by every possible effort, how to bring about his destruction.” Hearing these resolute words of Brahma, Shiva responded, “I will devise a means of victory over this wicked demon. You all should undertake austerities, desiring your own victory.” Having spoken thus, Shiva vanished from their midst. For the sake of victory over Tripura, the wicked demon, Shiva—known as the Bull-bannered One—worshipped the Goddess with great sacrificial buffaloes, offerings of animals, flowers, water, and libations. He praised Durgā, the Blessed One, the Auspicious, who ferries beings across the difficult ocean of worldly existence. He praised her as Rakta, intoxicated by the blood and marrow of demons, with blood-red teeth. He praised the dark-hued one who rides a buffalo, attended by yakṣas and seated upon their throne. Having worshipped her, his mind serene and established in meditation, the gracious-faced Caṇḍikā appeared before Shiva and spoke: “I grant you everything you have asked for, which brings benefit to the worlds. By this, I shall slay the great demon Tripura, the thorn of the gods. O best of gods, the supreme weapon for the destruction of demons has been given by me.” Taking the great Pāśupata weapon in his hand, Śaṃkara—Shiva—swiftly raised it to destroy the demon. Having offered praise, he departed with words, and the gods followed behind him. By means of magical warfare, Śaṃkara split the sorcerer Tripura into three. The sages, siddhas, and celestial beings bestowed blessings of victory. Apsarases danced, gandharvas sang sweetly, and cries of victory arose in every household among living beings. Sacrifices commenced, accompanied by great festivals and generous gifts. With the demon slain, fame spread throughout the three worlds. Thus, the city called Avanti, or Ujjayinī—the destroyer of sin—received its name, and peace and righteousness were restored.