By the extraordinary power of that sacred liṅga, you became the lord of the Vidyādharas. Ascending to heaven, the hosts of gods welcomed you with reverence and honor. Thereafter, the hosts of Rudra related all these events to the ancient gods, declaring, “O lords of the gods, behold the power of this liṅga which has now manifested.” Released from the womb of a crab, you attained the happiness of heaven. From that time forward, this god has been known as Karkaṭeśvara. Once more, you returned to earth, and were granted a kingdom free from troubles and thorns. Therefore, O king, it is advised that you quickly worship the liṅga again, for by this act, your previous karma has been remembered. O Pārvatī, those who merge into that liṅga with their own bodies, after enjoying pleasures on earth for a long time, ultimately attain the highest state. Those who regularly behold the god Karkaṭeśvara, with celestial chariots shining like the sun and all desires fulfilled, enjoy divine pleasures with thousands of delightful women. When these enjoyments end, they reside in the abode of Viṣṇu for that period, and afterward, joyfully reach Brahmā’s world from Viṣṇu’s realm. The merit of performing the ten-horse sacrifice is gained simply by pilgrimage to these holy places. Indeed, by merely seeing him, all accomplishments are attained. O great goddess, at the root of the king are prosperity, security, and good rains. The king has existed throughout the ages—Kṛta, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali. In this world, O Pārvatī, there was a king named Madāndha. At the junction of Kali and Dvāpara, due to his fault, the thousand-eyed lord Indra withheld rain and acted contrary to his nature. The rivers diminished in flow, some vanished entirely. Agriculture and cattle-keeping were destroyed, and even markets ceased. Cities became mostly empty, and villages were burned down. The people abandoned their hermitages and wandered here and there. All creation, both moving and unmoving, was uprooted. Seeking refuge, they approached Janārdana, the god of gods and shelter of all. From Brahmā’s world and the other worlds, they came to him, whose virtues are incomparable and auspicious. He had a palace, bed, and seat created by his own will, and was free from old age, death, fear, and all diseases. Having made full prostration, the gods offered praise: “You are Brahmā, Rudra, and the great Indra, O best of gods.” Thus, truth and austerity were proclaimed supreme. At that time, praised in this way by the gods, the god of gods, O beautiful-faced one, spoke: Krishna addressed the assembled gods, saying, “What shall I do for you today, O gods?” They replied, “Let the means be told, O god, by which satisfaction or dissatisfaction may arise.” Krishna instructed them: “All you gods, go to the auspicious great Kālavan forest. There, all the clouds that bring rain are indeed present in that liṅga. From the god Pratīhāreśvara, O gods, Īśāna is present. Arriving at the great Kālavan, where the supreme liṅga abides, offer obeisance to Maheśa, obeisance to the endless one, the garlanded.” Thus, the story unfolds, revealing the greatness of the liṅga, the blessings it bestows, and the guidance of the gods in times of hardship, all leading back to the worship of the divine and the restoration of harmony.