Burning with the torment of the sin of Brahmin-killing, I wandered, enveloped by its weight. I visited all the sacred places, hoping for release, but the sin clung to me still. In the midst of my despair, a divine voice, bodiless and resounding, addressed me: “O Lord, you have created the holy Mahakalavana, yet you do not realize the power of this sacred field to destroy even the greatest of sins. There, near the form of the elephant, the great linga is present.” Hearing these blessed words, I hastened to Mahakalavana. As I arrived, O Brahmins, the skull that had been stuck to my hand fell to the ground. The Brahmins who were present beheld the deity known as Kapaleshvara, the linga surrounded by many skulls. Thus, this place became renowned on earth as Kapaleshvara. O Devi, those who have accumulated merit and come here attain the supreme state. The very sight of this linga destroys sin, and the deity removes all stains when worshipped on the fourteenth day. O beautiful-faced one, even those who worship incidentally gain incomparable prosperity, virtue, long life, and freedom from disease. They attain unrivaled victory over rivals and whatever else they desire. O beloved, those Gaṇeśas devoted to me become free from sin; when they leave their bodies, they behold my cherished abode. O goddess, I have thus described to you this power that destroys sin. It removes all sins and bestows the fruits of heaven and liberation. O goddess, when you arrived at the supreme mountain Kailāsa, we—together with our beloveds and retinues—were invited to the sacrifice. O wide-eyed one, do you remember, or has your father forgotten? When you heard their words, you did not feel insulted at that time. But then, distressed by grief, they went to the Lord of creatures. Hearing their harsh words, Dakṣa remained silent. O goddess, when I saw you lying on the ground, lifeless, the fierce Gaṇas, by the hundreds and thousands, surged forth, releasing showers of arrows and making terrifying roars. Then all the hosts of gods, along with the Vasus and the Sun gods, assembled. They rushed into battle, releasing sharp arrows, pouring down volleys like clouds releasing torrents of rain. Among them was a Gaṇa named Vīrabhadra, of immense strength. Struck by his blow, an opponent lost consciousness and sat down, overwhelmed. Suddenly, the lord of elephants was also struck down, letting out terrifying roars. The gods, defeated by Vīrabhadra, turned away in retreat. Then Viṣṇu, filled with anger, beheld the celestial abodes. In that moment, his Sudarśana discus sped forth with great force. But when that unfailing discus, slayer of demons, was seized, Viṣṇu himself was grasped by the feet and struck forcefully to the ground at a great distance. Blood and phlegm issued from his mouth, yet, though struck with the mace, he did not die. All the Pramathas were overpowered by the strength and might of Viṣṇu. But seeing me holding the trident, Viṣṇu disappeared, his mind seized by fear. Terrified by my presence, he became invisible. O goddess, it was then that I stationed the host at the gate of heaven.