O Goddess, listen as I recount this sacred tale, just as the divine sage Maṅkaṇaka, the twice-born, once spoke it. He explained the immense power of beholding the holy liṅga: whoever gazes upon it on the eighth or fourteenth day, or comes with sincere effort to behold it, even those burdened with thousands of sins, are purified. Whether the sins are as grave as killing a Brahmin, drinking intoxicants, stealing, or violating the sanctity of a teacher’s wife—no matter what inauspicious deeds have been gathered over hundreds of millions of births—those afflicted by the heaviest of sins on earth find themselves freed by the mere sight of the liṅga. Thus, Maṅkaṇaka declared, “O Goddess, this is the power that destroys all sin, as has been described.” Indeed, the liṅga removes all sins and destroys the misdeeds of mortals. Now, hear the wondrous story that unfolded on Mount Kailāsa. There was once a leader of the Gaṇas named Ḍhuṇḍha, who, moved by curiosity and his own will, journeyed to the celestial realm of Indra. There, he beheld enchanting dances—graceful movements of the eyes and hands, gestures as delicate as a needle’s point, and hand-positions like the fluttering flag. Indra himself, with all the gods, watched intently, their gaze fixed on the dancer’s face. Amidst this assembly, Ḍhuṇḍha, with playful mischief, tossed a bouquet of flowers at Rambhā, who was deeply absorbed in her dance. Suddenly, a voice rang out: “Fall, you, to the world of humans! You have disrupted the performance.” Thus, Rambhā was cast down to the mortal world, her senses bewildered and consciousness lost. Awakening, she lamented, “Alas, I now reap the fruits of my unjust deed, having acted out of delusion. By taking refuge in the path of righteousness, may I attain success.” Resolute, she undertook severe austerities on the great mountain Maheṃdra. Yet, when her efforts seemed in vain, she journeyed to the sacred banks of the Ganga, then to the Godavari, the Bhimarathi, the Kaushiki, and the auspicious Sharada. Still, the fruit of her pilgrimage and penance eluded her. At that moment, a bodiless voice resounded, “All the sacred places on earth, beginning with Prayaga, are sanctified by the presence of a most holy liṅga, which fulfills all aims. By the grace of that liṅga, you will again attain Shiva.” Hearing this celestial message, Rambhā and her companions found there the auspicious liṅga, bestower of all prosperity. From the midst of the liṅga, a divine voice spoke: “May my devotion to your lotus feet ever remain unwavering. If you are pleased, O great Lord, quickly grant this boon. And may those humans, O Supreme Lord, who see you, always remain free from great sins.” The linga, pleased by these words, replied, “So be it.” Thus, those who behold the Lord Dhundheshvara’s liṅga are forever freed from great sins, attain their highest desires, and become foremost among all beings. Ḍhuṇḍha, filled with gratitude, again offered his reverence with joined palms. The liṅga, pleased, declared, “By my mere sight, success always comes to people. Those who worship the supreme Lord Dhundheshvara with devotion—he alone is virtuous in the world, he alone is dear to me.” Such is the glory of the liṅga, O Goddess, as revealed by the sages and the gods.