In the sacred assembly, some offered salutations and others composed hymns in reverence. Yet among them was Bhṛṅgiriṭi, who, having adopted a harsh and cruel disposition, became exceedingly proud and arrogant. He declared, “There is only one god, Mahādeva; what need have I for this woman?” Challenging Gaṇeśa, he asked, “Why do you not perform worship, circumambulation, or praise? O Gaṇeśa, why do you act with such greed?” Hearing this, Bhṛṅgiriṭi, inflamed with rage and pride, spoke further: “He alone is my mother; he alone is my father. You too, O Pārvatī, have indeed taken refuge in him.” When these words reached you, O Goddess, you were angered and replied, “Having become a son, why do you speak to me without kindness? Nails, teeth, bones, genitals, speech, and head as well—” Upon hearing Bhṛṅgiriṭi’s words, immediately, by the power of yoga, you caused him to possess nails, teeth, bones, and a nose from that moment onward, O slender-thighed one. Afflicted by sorrow, Bhṛṅgiriṭi abandoned you and came to me, lamenting his condition. Because of his exceedingly wicked mind, he had acted with cruel intent. Thus addressed by you, O Goddess, Bhṛṅgiriṭi departed and went to Puṣkara Island to perform austerities. With his mind purified, his severe penance scorched the world. Then Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śakra, together with the other gods, approached him. I recounted everything before them. Because of your condition, even the three worlds became unconscious. They said, “Let Pārvatī be entreated, O son; she will grant you a boon.” Thus, you were implored, O great goddess. You spoke, O wide-eyed one, “Son, go forth by my command. You will again attain Kailāsa, attended by Siddhas and Gandharvas, where merely by seeing it, auspicious understanding arises. Even those who are ungrateful, atheists, cruel, or betrayers of trust—by seeing that liṅga, they become enjoyers of heaven.” Elsewhere, Keśihā, having adopted a cruel resolve, slew Kaṃsa. He went to the great Kāla forest and satisfied Maheśvara. Hearing your words, Bhṛṅgiriṭi then worshipped the god with severe austerity. Meanwhile, O Goddess, you arose from the midst of the liṅga, adorned with half a braid bound by the king of serpents. Half your form shone with a garland of leaves and vines, and with the crescent moon. Bhṛṅgiriṭi, witnessing this great wonder, was amazed. Umā and Śaṃkara were indeed one eternal body. As Bhṛṅgiriṭi reflected, bowed in devotion before you, O Pārvatī, he said, “O Mother, O Great Goddess, if you are pleased with me, let this deity be renowned as Akrureshvara. You are the embodiment of all virtue; you are the refuge of those who practice righteousness. Establish here the most sacred place, a destroyer of sins such as brahminicide.” And you replied, “So be it,” with sweet words at that time. “O son of golden radiance, nothing is difficult for me to do for you; even those devoted to wickedness may, by association, perceive this. Those people who worship with devotion the name and the liṅga of this deity, and whoever, having bathed, performs proper worship, O human, will obtain long life, health, prosperity, and whatever desired object here.