Thus addressed, O Supreme Lady, even Kāma himself, by means of the liṅga, revealed his presence and power. “This, O Goddess, is the power I have described to you,” he said, “a power that destroys all sin.” Simply by beholding this liṅga, the lineage of any family is increased and blessed. In ancient times, when the gods and asuras churned the ocean of milk, a terrible event occurred. From the churning arose a fierce poison, known as Kālakūṭa, blazing with terrifying flames. The gods, asuras, yakṣas, and rākṣasas—all the divine and demonic hosts—were thrown into panic. In their distress, they turned to me with many hymns of praise, O beautiful-faced one, and spoke these words: “Though we intended a different outcome, fate has brought forth this dreadful poison. The Kālakūṭa has emerged, and now all beings, moving and unmoving, are scorched by its flames. Protect us, O Lord of the universe, beloved refuge of all who seek shelter.” Hearing the plea of the gods, I, the illustrious Lord, took the fierce Kālakūṭa poison and held it in my throat. At the sight of my transformed form, you, frightened, suddenly vanished. At that moment, the sacred Ganges, joined by many rivers, appeared at my side. I addressed the Ganges, saying, “O Ganges, swiftly carry this Kālakūṭa poison to the great ocean. It is fierce and difficult to endure; it burns without doubt.” Next, I turned to Yamunā, but even she and Sarasvatī were not capable of bearing the poison. None could take up the Kālakūṭa. Then I called upon Śiprā, my daughter: “By my command, go to the forest of Mahākāla. There, in that sacred place, exists the supreme liṅga. Install the Kālakūṭa poison in that liṅga.” Śiprā replied, “O god, I shall go without hesitation, as you command. Yet, by this act, I will become unapproachable to the wicked. Nevertheless, all the tīrthas that exist on earth and in the netherworld will, by your word, come here in service.” Thus instructed, Śiprā took up the Kālakūṭa poison and placed it upon the head of the liṅga. From that time, any beast, bird, or human who beholds that form of Śiva is blessed. In time, ascetics came there to undertake pilgrimage. The three worlds and all their beings, overcome by distress, cried out, but all were revived by the compassionate glance of Pārvatī. Reverent brāhmaṇas praised me with various hymns, and those who had bowed spoke for the welfare of all worlds: “O Lord of the universe, protect them—this is our boon, O Master.” Thus, it was declared that this liṅga will bring safety and health to all. Then Lakulīśa, this god, became touchable and manifest. He became renowned in the world by the name Kuṭumbeśvara. By my command, Lakulīśa ascended that liṅga. Whoever beholds Kuṭumbeśvara, O illustrious one, especially on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Ashvina, gains great prosperity and freedom from disease. Those who perform the viewing, the touching, and the worship—especially near a river, or with a pond or well close by—receive the highest blessings.