O Goddess, when the desired purpose was not fulfilled, the company turned their hopes to the great banks of the Ganga, to the Godavari, the Bhimarathi, the Kaushiki, and the auspicious Sharada. Yet, even with these sacred pilgrimages, their austerities bore no fruit, and the results of their journeys seemed in vain. At that moment, O Goddess, a bodiless voice resounded from the heavens. The voice declared that among all the holy places on earth, beginning with Prayaga, there abides a supremely sacred linga, capable of accomplishing all aims. By the grace of that linga, it was proclaimed, they would once again attain the presence of Shiva. Hearing this celestial message, the group looked and beheld there the auspicious linga, bestower of all prosperity. Then, from the heart of the linga itself, a voice issued forth, O son of Parvati, offering a prayer: "May my devotion to your lotus feet always remain unwavering. If you are pleased, O great Lord, quickly grant this boon. And those humans, O Supreme Lord, who see you—" Hearing the words spoken by Dhuṇḍha through the linga, O illustrious one, it was revealed that such people would always remain free from great sins. They would obtain their highest desires and become foremost among beings. Thus, having received this boon, Dhuṇḍha, with hands joined in reverence, spoke again. The linga, pleased, replied, "So be it," O Parvati. By merely beholding this linga, success would always come to people. Those who worship the supreme Lord Dhundheshvara with devotion are alone truly virtuous in the world, and alone dear to me. The merit gained from a hundred Rajasuya sacrifices is surpassed by this; and all sins—mental, verbal, physical, or secret—are quickly dispelled upon seeing Dhundheshvara. Thus I have spoken, O Devi; that Dhuṇḍha, leader of the hosts, shone resplendent with the Ganas and became most pleasing to me. This, O Devi, is the power that destroys sin, as I have related to you. Then Sri Mahadeva said: When the Lord of the universe is seen, all sin is destroyed. In the Vaivasvata cycle, there was a great demon named Ruru, immense in size, with sharp fangs and terrifying aspect. By his might, the gods were shaken from their stations and forced to abandon their celestial abodes. Their wealth was seized, and they sought refuge with Brahma. Knowing Ruru to be invulnerable, that wicked-minded one, together with all his power, slew the righteous and others as well. At that time, the earth was bereft of the recitation of scriptures and the sacred exclamations of sacrifice. The gods and all the great sages became deeply distressed. Suddenly, before them all, a wondrous body appeared. From that body arose a divine being with lotus-like eyes. She spoke to the assembled gods: "For what reason have I been created, O gods?" All the gods heard her auspicious words. Hearing their reply, that goddess laughed again and again, her laughter resounding loudly. Fierce beings appeared, bearing noose and goad, their faces wreathed in garlands of flames. All of these, O Great Goddess, went to the place where Vajra, the mighty asura, was stationed. The ends of the directions were filled with countless weapons and missiles, unleashed in the tumult. Then, that goddess engaged in battle against the enemies of the gods; and seeing his army falter, Vajra employed his magic to resist her.