Once, in the sacred Daru forest, there lived Brahmins deeply devoted to the practice of yoga. Their austerities were remarkable: some sustained themselves only on vegetables, others abstained from all food, and still others survived on leaves alone. Among them, some found joy in the heroic posture, while others practiced the unusual discipline of inhaling smoke. Many, composed and steadfast, undertook rigorous vows such as Kṛcchra and Cāndrāyaṇa, pushing their bodies and minds to the limits. Despite these efforts, they were afflicted by suffering and uncertainty, pondering within themselves, “How will perfection be attained?” The scriptures once sung by the sages seemed to yield no fruit, leaving them frustrated. They experimented with various means—collyrium, medicinal pills, even walking with sandals—yet their hearts were filled with intense indignation, though their thoughts remained sharp and accomplished. At that very moment, a bodiless voice resounded in the forest, addressing them: “Do not disregard, O noble ones, that the scripture is fruitless on earth. Perfection will come to you here, ascetics. Know that desire causes the loss of austerity, and ego brings astonishment. He who is free from rivalry, devoid of desire and anger, guided by pure intention, single-minded and composed, who regards the wives of others as mothers and the wealth of others as mere clods of earth—such a person, O Brahmins, is where ascetic power and true success are found. Otherwise, even in a thousand years, perfection will not arise.” The voice continued, “Go, all of you, with focused minds, to the great Kāla forest. By seeing that god, supreme accomplishment is attained. Worshipping with devotion, you will reach the highest perfection. Even King Vasumat once found mastery of the sword difficult to obtain. The great-souled Haihaya gained the power to travel by sandals. Anūruṇa, in ancient times, attained invisibility and obtained collyrium by seeing this liṅga.” Filled with wonder at the celestial voice, the ascetics journeyed and beheld the supreme liṅga, bestower of all accomplishments. From that time onward, the supreme Lord of Siddhas became renowned among the gods, and for those who worshipped, accomplishment on earth was no longer difficult. Yet, those who lacked devotion and approached merely out of association would also go to Siddheśvara. Even one burdened by great sins, if he remembers Siddheśvara, finds refuge. But he who beholds the supreme god Siddheśvara with discipline, especially on the eighth and fourteenth days of the dark fortnight, is blessed—a childless man gains a son, a poor man acquires wealth. Whoever worships during the solstice, on a Monday, or at an eclipse, enjoys happiness in my realm for as long as the fourteen Indras reign. “O Goddess,” the speaker declared, “this power of mine, which destroys sin, has been revealed to you. Know, O Lady of the gods, that the twelfth is Shiva, Lord of the Guardians of the Worlds.” Long ago, O Goddess, thousands of Daityas appeared and overran the earth, along with its mountains, forests, and groves. The Brahmins, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches, were devoured, and all sacrificial vessels were destroyed; clay pots and the like were shattered. The earth was left devoid of sacrifice and festival. Afflicted and hungry, all joined their palms and spoke thus: “You have protected us before from Namuci and Vṛṣaparvan.