To the assembled ascetics, a voice of wisdom declared: “Here, perfection will come to you. Know that desire leads to the loss of austerity, and from ego springs astonishment. But he who is free from rivalry, devoid of both desire and anger, who is guided by pure intentions, single-minded, and composed—such a person, O Brahmins, who regards the wives of others as mothers and the wealth of others as mere clods of earth, in him, both ascetic power and true success are found. “Understand that even in a thousand years, perfection does not arise otherwise. Therefore, go forth, all of you, with focused minds, to the great Kāla forest. There, by beholding that god, supreme accomplishment is attained; and by worshipping with devotion, the highest perfection is reached. In ages past, even King Vasumat found mastery of the sword difficult to obtain. The great-souled Haihaya gained the power to travel by sandals, and Anūruṇa, in ancient times, attained invisibility and received the collyrium by seeing this very liṅga. “When those perfected beings heard the voice from the sky, they were filled with wonder. They beheld the supreme liṅga, the bestower of all accomplishments. From that time on, the supreme Lord of Siddhas became renowned among the gods, and for those who sought him, accomplishment on earth was no longer difficult. “Yet, even those lacking devotion, who come merely out of association, will go to Siddheśvara. Even one burdened with great sins, if he remembers Siddheśvara, finds grace. But especially he who beholds the supreme god Siddheśvara with discipline, particularly on the eighth and fourteenth days of the dark fortnight, will find his desires fulfilled—a childless man will gain a son, a poor man will find 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, this power of mine, which destroys sin, has now been revealed to you.” The teaching continued: “O Lady of the gods, know that the twelfth is Shiva, Lord of the Guardians of the Worlds. Long ago, hosts of Daityas appeared by the thousands, overrunning the earth, its mountains, forests, and groves. The Brahmins, learned in the Vedas and their branches, were devoured, their sacrificial vessels destroyed, clay pots and the like shattered. The earth was left devoid of sacrifice and festival. “In their suffering, all those afflicted, hungry and with joined palms, cried out: ‘You have protected us before from Namuci and Vṛṣaparvan. Now too, O best of gods, protect us; great fear has come upon us.’ Hearing their plea, he who holds the conch, discus, and mace listened. “Yet at night, the Daityas went out and began to slay the best of the twice-born. Indra, lord of the Maruts, was defeated and retreated to heaven. The lord of waters, having gone to the western direction, was also conquered. Distressed, all the gods sought refuge with Vishnu. With devotion and concentration, they journeyed to the great Kāla forest. There, by his grace, success awaited them. “Hearing these words of Krishna, whose power is immeasurable, at that very moment, they found themselves surrounded by Daityas armed with weapons.