There was a sage who, with unwavering resolve, undertook intense austerities at a sacred place for twelve long years. His penance was so powerful that its radiance illuminated the entire mountain, and such was its heat that it dried up all the reservoirs of water. The force of his tapas shook the very balance of the universe—oceans were agitated, the moon and sun trembled, and it seemed as if an untimely dissolution of the world was about to occur. At that critical moment, O goddess, you approached me, having understood the sage’s firm resolve. Seeing the gravity of the situation, I declared, “Let a son be granted to that sage Mṛkaṇḍa. May this son be imperishable, like another thousand-eyed one.” O queen of the gods, this great sage Mṛkaṇḍa yearned for a son with the hue and eyes of a blue lotus petal. Moved by compassion, O goddess, you too spoke again. You questioned, “How is it that the wise praise you as the giver of the fruits of austerities? You cause turmoil among all demons and even among the hosts of gods. Truly, no one else would grant such a supreme boon out of compassion.” The reason, as you acknowledged, is that the great lord Maheśa is ever compassionate and devoted to his devotees. Indeed, when sin is exhausted through austerity and the mind is purified, one attains the state of Brahmanhood. With affectionate and auspicious words, I described you, O mother of Skanda, whose face is as radiant as a full moon and whose beauty is adorned with grace. You, who walk with the gait of an elephant, replied, “I will accomplish what you have spoken.” You are the very embodiment of illusion, fortune, radiance, glory, faith, and beauty. In many forms you shine, bewildering the entire world. To the sage, whose body was now worn thin by his penance, I too spoke, O wide-eyed one. “Listen to my words. In the east of Pattaneśvara stands a supreme liṅga. By worshipping that liṅga, you will obtain an excellent son.” Hearing this, you, O goddess, also spoke to the best of the twice-born: “By worshipping the liṅga there, you will surely attain your wish for a son.” Thus prompted, the brāhmaṇa resolved to act as instructed. He journeyed to that sacred place, and upon seeing the great liṅga—the bestower of sons and destroyer of sins—he worshipped with devotion. After some time, I appeared there together with you. “Know that I am Śarva,” I said. “Tell me, what shall I do for you? Whatever boon you desire, O Brahman, I shall grant you today.” Filled with devotion and joy, the best of sages spoke from his heart. I then declared, “Let Mṛkaṇḍa, the best of sages, be endowed with prosperity, knowledge, long life, omniscience, and wisdom.” Meanwhile, O goddess, the great ascetic Mārkaṇḍeya appeared, righteous by nature, who had remained in austerity from the moment of his birth. I was satisfied with his austerity from that very moment, thanks to your grace. O best of brāhmaṇas, those who see me with supreme devotion, wherever they may go, will always remain free from sorrow. Surrounded by accomplished Gandharvas, the three-eyed Lord of hosts and perfected beings, I proclaimed: “Those who worship me with heartfelt, fragrant flowers will be blessed.” Thus, with that liṅga, the great ascetic Mārkaṇḍeya performed his worship. O goddess, this is the story of the power of Mārkaṇḍeya and of the Lord. By the mere sight of this liṅga, all prosperity arises.