Anyone who, with a particular desire in their heart, seeks a vision of Lokapāleśvara Śiva, attains the fruits equal to those of a properly performed Aśvamedha sacrifice. Even those who merely happen to see Śiva—especially during his transit, on a Monday, or on the fourteenth lunar day—become invincible in battle against their enemies. In time, they may reach the world of Varuṇa or the realm of Kubera, according to their wishes. O Goddess, this power of yours, which destroys sin, has thus been revealed. By simply beholding him, auspicious good fortune arises. Once, as Brahmā was meditating, desiring to create offspring, there appeared before him a handsome being, adorned with ornaments and divine jewels. Brahmā saw this supremely divine, charming figure, radiant with good fortune, and asked, "Who are you? For what reason have you come here, and why?" Hearing Brahmā’s words, the being respectfully replied, "O blessed Lord of creatures, instruct me—what shall I do?" Brahmā said, "Out of my desire to create, I have made the progenitors of beings. You are foremost in the creation; this world is under your authority." Thus addressed, O Goddess, Smara—the god of love—vanished from sight. Because Brahmā’s command was not fulfilled, from the fire born of your eye, Smara, bowing with joined palms, spoke to Brahmā: "Be gracious, Lord of gods, for I have no other refuge." Brahmā, pleased by Smara’s devotion, said, "Because your devotion toward me is unequaled, O wise one, you shall dwell in the glances of women, in their tresses, in springtime, 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 due to the honor given to women. Indeed, women are the very source of fear—even for the gods, including Indra. 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 delight, Manobhava, whose banner bears the fish, set forth. He subdued scholars, ascetics, heroes, the wise, and those who had conquered their senses. 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?" Having resolved this, he arrived where I was engaged in austerities. Then Kāma saw me, my matted locks piled high like a mountain peak. He beheld me seated upright, my gaze fixed at the tip of my nose. Through the opening of my hand, Madana entered into my heart. The divine contemplation of samādhi, manifest as the direct perception of the goal, was overtaken by the distortion born of Madana. I became truly mad, and saw within my own heart Manmatha, the bringer of what is unwholesome. If he enters a yogin, the yogin may fall into a non-human birth. Meanwhile, Madana too was greatly tormented. Then, at the root of a mango tree, he became a friend of the spring.