Having listened to the words of the gods, I, the illustrious one, resolved to hold that fierce Kālakūṭa poison in my throat. When you, frightened by the dreadful sight of my form, beheld me thus, you suddenly vanished from view. In that moment, the sacred Ganges, joined by many other rivers, appeared at my side. Turning to the Ganges, I spoke: “O Ganges, swiftly carry away this Kālakūṭa poison to the great ocean.” For this poison was terrible in form, difficult to endure, and burned with a searing intensity beyond doubt. I then addressed Yamunā, but Sarasvatī was unable to bear the poison. None among them could take up the Kālakūṭa. Then I called upon Śiprā, my daughter: “O Śiprā, by my command, go to the forest of Mahākāla. There stands the supreme liṅga; install this Kālakūṭa poison upon that liṅga.” Śiprā, obedient and unwavering, replied, “O god, I proceed without doubt, according to your command. But with this task, I shall become unapproachable due to association with the wicked.” I reassured her: “All the tīrthas that exist on earth and in the netherworld—by my word, all of them will come here for the sake of service.” Thus addressed, Śiprā took up the Kālakūṭa poison and placed it upon the head of the liṅga. From that time, any beast, bird, or human who gazes upon that Śiva is blessed. Soon, ascetics began to arrive there, undertaking pilgrimage to this sacred site. Yet, O goddess, when the poison was installed, the three worlds and all their beings cried out in distress. But all were revived and restored by the compassionate glance of Pārvatī. The reverent brāhmaṇas then praised me with many hymns. Those who had bowed before me spoke thus, seeking the welfare of the worlds: “O Lord of the universe, protect them—this is our boon, O Master.” I declared, “This liṅga will surely bring safety and health.” At that time, Lakulīśa, that divine being, became touchable and manifest in the world. He became renowned as Kuṭumbeśvara. By my command, Lakulīśa ascended that liṅga. Whoever beholds Kuṭumbeśvara, O illustrious one—especially those who perform the viewing on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Ashvina—obtains great prosperity and freedom from disease. Those who approach with devotion—seeing, touching, and worshipping near a river, or where a pond or well is close by, and who bathe there with focused mind on a Monday or Sunday—receive the merit equal to a thousand Rājasūya sacrifices and a hundred Vājapeya sacrifices. This, O Devi, is the power I have told you of; it destroys all sin. By mere sight of this liṅga, fame and renown arise. Once, O Devi, there was a king named Indradyumna, lord of the earth. He witnessed many sacrifices performed on earth, abundant in gifts. Later, when he fell from heaven and lost his fame, he was overwhelmed by sorrow and pondered deeply. The fruit of the actions performed here is enjoyed in heaven, but when that merit is exhausted, one falls; this is the cause of his sorrow. It is said: those who attain heaven do so as long as their fame endures; as long as their name is remembered, so long are they spoken of in the world.