In ancient times, wondrous events unfolded around the sacred liṅga, the source of all accomplishments. Haihaya, a great-souled being, was blessed with the power to travel swiftly by means of special sandals. Similarly, the sage Anūruṇa attained invisibility and received a magical collyrium simply by beholding this liṅga. When these perfected beings heard a mysterious voice from the sky, they were filled with awe and wonder. They gazed upon the supreme liṅga, the bestower of all achievements. From that moment, the supreme Lord of Siddhas became renowned among the gods, and for those who sought accomplishment on earth, nothing was difficult. Yet, even those who lacked true devotion, approaching merely out of association, would find themselves drawn to Siddheśvara. Remarkably, even a person burdened with great sins, if he remembered Siddheśvara, could be uplifted. But those who beheld the supreme god Siddheśvara with discipline—especially on the sacred eighth and fourteenth days of the dark fortnight—would find their deepest wishes fulfilled: a childless man would gain a son, and a poor man would find wealth. Worship during auspicious times—such as the solstice, on a Monday, or at an eclipse—granted happiness in the divine realm for as long as fourteen Indras reigned. The Lord explained to the Goddess, "O Goddess, this power of mine, which destroys sin, has been revealed to you." He continued, "Know, O Lady of the gods, that the twelfth liṅga is Shiva, Lord of the Guardians of the Worlds." Long ago, hosts of Daityas appeared in thousands, overrunning the earth, its mountains, forests, and groves. These demons devoured the Brahmins, who were accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. All sacrificial vessels were destroyed, clay pots shattered, and the earth was left devoid of sacrifice and festival. Afflicted and hungry, the people joined their palms and pleaded, "You have protected us before from Namuci and Vṛṣaparvan. Now, O best of gods, protect us; great fear has come upon us." Hearing their words, Vishnu—the wielder of the conch, discus, and mace—responded. The Daityas began to slay the best of the twice-born at night. 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 sought refuge with Vishnu. With devotion and concentration, the gods journeyed to the great Kāla forest. Krishna assured them, "Through his grace, success will come to you there." Hearing these words from Krishna, whose power is immeasurable, the gods were suddenly surrounded by Daityas armed with weapons. They recounted with great intensity how the three worlds had been restrained. Following sacred vows, adorned with skulls, their bodies smeared with ashes and resplendent with small bells, the gods, together with Brahma, fastened anklets on their feet and moved forward. The guardians of the worlds, inspired by Krishna’s speech, then witnessed a wondrous sight: the great liṅga, a mass of radiant brilliance. From this liṅga, a flame of fire emerged. Recognizing its greatness, the gods focused their minds and gave it a name: Lokapāleśvara. This name became renowned on earth, and the gods returned joyfully to their divine abodes as before. The Lord declared, "O Goddess, those men who behold Lokapāleśvara Śiva will not suffer poverty, nor disease, nor untimely death." Thus, the power and grace of Shiva, Lord of the Guardians, continues to protect and bless all who approach with devotion.