With great fervor, the assembled ones began to recount how, at a certain time, the three worlds had been restrained and held in check. They described how you, observing sacred vows, adorned yourselves with garlands of skulls, your bodies completely smeared with holy ash, resplendent with the tinkling of small bells, and with anklets fastened upon your feet, journeyed together with Brahmā himself. As these guardians of the worlds listened to Krishna’s profound words, they beheld before them a wondrous sight: the great liṅga, a dazzling mass of radiant light. Suddenly, from within that liṅga, a brilliant flame of fire emerged, astonishing all present. Recognizing the immense greatness of this liṅga, the assembled beings focused their minds and gave it a fitting name: Lokapāleśvara. This name, they declared, would become renowned throughout the earth. Filled with joy at this revelation, the guardians of the worlds returned to their own divine abodes, their hearts uplifted as before. O Goddess, it is said that those men who behold Lokapāleśvara Śiva will never suffer poverty, nor disease, nor untimely death. Whoever seeks a vision of this Lord with a particular desire in their heart will gain the fruit of a properly performed Aśvamedha sacrifice. Even one who happens by chance to see Lokapāleśvara Śiva—especially during certain auspicious times, such as during the transit, on a Monday, or on the fourteenth day—will become invincible in battle against enemies. In due course, they will attain the world of Varuṇa or the realm of Kubera, according to their wishes. O Goddess, this is the power of yours that destroys all sin, as has been described to you. Simply by beholding him, auspicious good fortune arises. Once, as Brahmā was deep in meditation, longing for the creation of offspring, there appeared before him a most handsome being, adorned with splendid ornaments and divine jewels. This supremely divine and charming figure radiated good fortune, catching Brahmā’s attention. Brahmā asked, “Who are you? For what reason have you come here, and why?” Hearing these words, the being respectfully replied, “O blessed Lord of creatures, instruct me—what shall I do?” Brahmā then said, “Out of my desire to create, I have made the progenitors of all beings. You are the foremost in the creation of beings; this world is under your authority.” Thus addressed by Brahmā, O Goddess, Smara—the god of love—vanished from sight. Because Brahmā’s command had not been carried out, from the fire born of your eye, Smara appeared once more, bowing with joined palms, and spoke humbly to Brahmā: “Be gracious, Lord of gods, for I have no other refuge.” Brahmā, pleased with his devotion, spoke: “Because your devotion toward me is unequaled, O wise one, your presence will be felt in the glances of women, in their tresses, in the freshness of spring, in the song of the cuckoo, in moonlight, and at the coming of clouds. Women are truly immortal, blessed, and the essential cause in worldly life. By these excellent women, the world has been brought under control, and autonomy has been established, owing to the honor given to women. Indeed, women are the very source of fear even for the gods, including Indra himself. From them, defeat arises, and a terrible state of helplessness prevails.” Thus addressed, O gentle one, Manmatha—the god of love—was dismissed by Brahmā. United with Rati and with delight, Manobhava, the one whose banner bears the fish, set forth upon his work. He subdued scholars, ascetics, heroes, the wise, and even those who had conquered their senses. Not only that, but he also overpowered spirits, ghosts, piśācas, yakṣas, gandharvas, and kinnaras. For my sake, he made every effort, pondering again and again, “Who but I is able to agitate that god?” Thus, the power and influence of Manmatha pervaded all the worlds.