When Shiva had spoken his words, he vanished from sight before all the assembled gods. It was for the sake of victory over the wicked demon Tripura that these events unfolded. Desiring success over that formidable foe, Shiva, the Bull-bannered Lord, performed a great worship of the Goddess. He made offerings of mighty buffaloes, animals, fragrant flowers, water, and libations, conducting the rites with devotion. With his heart full of reverence, he began to praise the Goddess. He praised Durgā, the Blessed and Auspicious One, who ferries beings across the perilous ocean of worldly existence. He lauded her as the fierce Rakta, intoxicated by the blood and marrow of demons, adorned with blood-red teeth. He extolled the dark-hued Goddess, the one who rides a buffalo, surrounded by yakṣas and seated majestically upon their throne. Having worshipped her with a serene and meditative mind, Shiva beheld the gracious-faced Caṇḍikā manifesting before him. The Goddess spoke kindly, saying, “I grant you everything you have asked for, which brings benefit to the worlds. By my power, I shall slay the great demon Tripura, the thorn in the side of the gods. O best of gods, I have given you the supreme weapon for the destruction of demons.” With her blessing, Shiva, also known as Śaṃkara, took the mighty Pāśupata weapon in his hand. Swiftly, he raised it, intent on the destruction of the demon. Having offered his praise, Shiva departed, his words echoing behind him, and all the gods followed in his wake. By means of magical warfare, Shiva split the sorcerer Tripura into three, ending his threat. The sages, siddhas, and celestial beings showered blessings of victory upon the gods. The apsarases danced in joy, and the gandharvas sang sweet songs. Cries of triumph arose in every household among all living beings. Sacrifices were performed, great festivals were celebrated, and generous gifts were given in gratitude. Because the demon was slain, fame spread throughout the three worlds. The city known as Avanti, or Ujjayinī—the destroyer of sin—was thus named in memory of this victory. From that day onward, Vyāsa, all who seek refuge in the city of Ujjayinī are freed from sin and the stain of evil deeds; wrongdoing cannot cling to their bodies. Seekers of knowledge approach Lord Śiva, those desiring wealth seek the Lord of Wealth, those longing for children seek the Lord of Children, and seekers of happiness turn to the Lord of the Sun. Whoever dwells in this city, O most fortunate one, remains there for more than a hundred million aeons. And whoever reads or listens to this sacred story is blessed. Now, Vyāsa, listen with care to another tale of great merit. Once, all the precious jewels of the worlds were lost because of the actions of evil-minded beings. In response, the gods and demons joined forces to churn the ocean and recover the lost treasures. Using the back of the great tortoise as their base, they began the churning and extracted the jewels from the depths. This event brought both sorrow and hope to gods and demons alike, for the struggle between them was intense, but the act of churning restrained their conflict for a time. At the edge of the ocean, various jewels appeared. The call went out: “Let the ocean be churned quickly; there is no need for further delay.” As the churning continued, the jewel called Kaustubha emerged. Dhanvantari, the divine physician, arose, and the moon was also born from the ocean. Then came Uccaiḥśravā, the best of horses, the nectar of immortality, and the celestial nymph Rambhā. The conch Pāñcajanya found its place in the hand of the enemy of Mura. In total, fourteen diverse jewels were obtained from the churning. Afterward, the gods and demons gathered together to consult and deliberate. But soon, a great commotion arose among them, and at that moment, Nārada appeared once again.