Out of deep compassion for the gods, I transformed Kāma into Ananga, the bodiless one. Yet, even in this state, Ananga, filled with unwavering devotion, approached the sacred place. There, the satisfied liṅga declared to him, “Kāma, you shall obtain your heart’s desire.” It was foretold that he would be reborn through the union of Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī. Because Ananga had pleased me sincerely in his mind, I granted him a special boon: those who see Kandarpa, radiant with supreme devotion, will themselves gain long life and remarkable beauty. They will enjoy sovereignty, the highest pleasures, and the company of women adorned with divine qualities. Moreover, those who behold me with devotion on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the month of Caitra—whether they be yakṣas, lords of the gaṇas, siddhas, or those served by accomplished gandharvas—will receive these blessings. Thus, O Supreme Lady, Kāma was so addressed by the liṅga. This, O Goddess, is the power I have described to you, a power that destroys sin. By merely beholding that liṅga, one’s lineage is increased. In ancient times, when the gods and asuras churned the ocean of milk, a terrible poison known as Kālakūṭa arose—fierce, blazing, and terrifying to all. The gods, asuras, yakṣas, and rākṣasas alike were struck with fear and praised me with many hymns, pleading, “O Lord, the results are not as intended; fate has brought forth this dreadful Kālakūṭa, burning all that moves and does not move. Protect us, O Lord of the universe, refuge of those who seek shelter.” Hearing their words, I took the fierce Kālakūṭa poison and held it in my throat. Witnessing my form in that moment, you, O Goddess, were frightened and suddenly disappeared. At my side, the sacred Ganges appeared, joined by many rivers. I spoke to her, “O Ganges, swiftly carry this Kālakūṭa poison to the great ocean, for it is fierce and difficult to endure—it surely burns, there is no doubt.” I then addressed Yamunā, but Sarasvatī was not able to bear the poison. None could take up the Kālakūṭa. Turning to my daughter Śiprā, I commanded, “Go to the forest of Mahākāla, where the supreme liṅga is present. Install the poison in that liṅga.” Śiprā, faithful to my word, agreed without hesitation, though she feared becoming unapproachable due to the poison’s association with the wicked. I assured her that all tīrthas on earth and in the netherworld would come there to serve. Thus directed, Śiprā took up the Kālakūṭa poison and placed it upon the head of the liṅga. Any beast, bird, or human who beholds that form of Śiva is touched by its power. Soon, ascetics arrived there on pilgrimage. But as the three worlds and all their beings cried out in distress, Pārvatī’s compassionate glance revived them all. Reverent brāhmaṇas then praised me with many hymns, and those who had bowed offered prayers for the welfare of the worlds.