When a person departs from this world, their reputation lingers—if infamy is spoken of them, it stains their memory among people. Therefore, one should always strive to walk the path of virtue; for without righteous conduct, there is only downfall upon the earth. Indeed, the highest fame, which brings one to heaven, is greatly praised; it is a treasure that endures beyond mortal life. As long as a person’s good fame remains undiminished on earth, wondrous results follow. In those heavenly realms, there is no toil, no sweat, no foulness, no excrement or urine. Instead, souls are borne aloft in aerial chariots, adorned with splendid ornaments, enjoying celestial pleasures. Reflecting deeply on these truths, King Indradyumna, filled with longing for lasting merit, sought the counsel of the great sage Markandeya—the sage who had performed intense austerities and was steadfast in his vows. Approaching Markandeya with reverence, the king said, “O knower of dharma, you are familiar with all the gods, demons, and rakshasas. Nothing in this world is hidden from you, O best of the twice-born. Tell me, how does one obtain lasting fame in the world? What is the true fruit of austerity?” Markandeya replied, “As long as fame abides on earth, so long a person dwells among the gods. Near the Lord Kalkaleshvara, on the left side, is a sacred linga. By merely worshipping him, supreme fame is attained.” Hearing this, King Indradyumna went to that holy place and offered worship to the renowned linga. As he performed his devotions, celestial beings stationed in the sky addressed him: “From this day forward, O king, this linga shall bear your name. Those who worship the god Indradyumneshvara will be praised by gods and sages alike and will surely attain heaven. Even those who merely behold this linga, whether intentionally or by chance, will not fall from heaven as long as fourteen Indras reign; they will uplift their entire maternal and paternal lineages.” Thus honored, all the gods themselves worshipped the linga with great devotion. O goddess, this is the power of Indradyumna’s merit, a destroyer of sins, as has now been described. By simply beholding this sacred form, prosperity arises among people. In ancient times, however, all the gods found themselves afflicted by the demon Tuhuṇḍa, who seized control of the entire Nandana forest and even took away the divine horse Uccaiḥśravas. Because of this calamity, the path to heaven was blocked. At that troubled time, the great sage Nārada, master of time and wisdom, arrived. The gods welcomed and worshipped him with due honor, then anxiously questioned him: “O great sage, in this dire situation, what should we do?” Nārada closed his eyes in meditation for a moment, then answered, “Though you are distressed, go swiftly to the delightful great Kāla forest. There, worship the supreme linga known as Īśāneśvara. In the ancient Īśāna epoch, by the grace of Īśāna, even the highest place atop the head of Śaṃkara was attained. By worshipping that linga alone, all heart’s desires are fulfilled.” Upon hearing these words, the gods’ hearts filled with joy. They hastened to the sacred place, offering praises: “O Īśāneśāna, O Lord, O Īśāna, O Tatpuruṣa, homage to you! Three-eyed one, radiant Lord, great god, beloved of Umā, obeisance again and again! Salutations to Śambhu, salutations to Rudra, O Virūpākṣa, repeated salutations!” Indeed, all stationary beings, all creatures, and all that moves are encompassed by him. The very sky is his head, O gods; the moon and sun are his eyes. Thus, through devotion and right conduct, lasting fame and celestial blessings are attained.