After worshipping, as long as he remained at home, you both served faithfully as guardians, ever watchful and devoted. By the merit of these actions, your birth took place in the illustrious house of Priyavrata. Through association with others, excellent beings were born, further enhancing the lineage. Because of the greatness of that god, these noble souls performed various sacrifices for the unborn, honoring the divine and fostering spiritual merit. Therefore, O king, I have spoken to you this ancient account, so that you may understand its significance. Hearing the words of the great-souled sage Kumbhayoni, the king departed alongside the sage and his retinue. Once again, he beheld the sacred liṅga described by Agastya, his heart filled with faith and reverence. Then, the god, pleased and radiant as the sun, spoke to the king. He bestowed blessings: lineage, power, prosperity, long life, and freedom from disease. Thus addressed by the lord of gods, the king returned to his own domain, his soul uplifted. The deeds accumulated over many births, along with the collection of partial vows, found completion here. Therefore, the god Khaṇḍeśvara became renowned throughout the three worlds. All partial vows are quickly fulfilled; all attain completeness simply by beholding Śrī Khaṇḍeśvara. By seeing the god Khaṇḍeśvara, one is freed from obstacles caused by sin, and one attains the state of having accomplished one's purpose. When the god Khaṇḍeśvara is worshipped, all the gods—including Indra—are worshipped as well. Those who worship Lord Khaṇḍeśvara with faith, O beloved, using incense, lamps, salutations, recitations, and various hymns, become long-lived, virtuous in conduct, and pure-bodied. By the grace of Khaṇḍeśvara, they are born thus—of this there is no doubt. Among those blessed are Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, Kubera, Agni, and others. Thus, O goddess, I have told you the power of Khaṇḍeśvara, destroyer of sins. Now, know that Pattaneshvara, the Lord of the City, grants success to people. Once, O goddess, on Mount Mandara, in a beautiful cave, you asked me, “For what reason did you leave the delightful Kailasa mountain?” The cave resounded with the songs and music of Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras, and was filled with cuckoos, chakoras, and flocks of curlews. In the great, empty forest of Mahakala, overgrown with various shrubs and creepers, adorned with bears, monkeys, jackals, and other creatures, you wondered: “How did the Lord come to dwell here? This is my curiosity.” Thus, O goddess, you questioned me in the beautiful cave on Mandara. The delightful Mahakala forest is more pleasing than heaven itself. Know, O daughter of the mountain, that Pattana is endowed with incomparable qualities; in skill with song and music, it rivals even the abode of the gods. At that very moment, O goddess, the divine sage Narada appeared. For amusement and out of curiosity for your sake, I questioned him: “In which hermitage was the accumulation of austerities performed? O best of sages, tell me of any marvel you have seen before.” Narada carefully recounted the story of the city. He had traveled to many sacred fords and shrines, wandering upon the delightful Jambudvipa. Arrangements were made as he wished, and the city was adorned with hundreds of palaces, surrounded by breezes carrying the touch of comfort and the fragrance of flowers from every season.