At that sacred place, fierce beings—among all moving and unmoving creatures—guarded the waters, preventing anyone from bathing there. Yet, the holy river, adorned with auspicious matted reeds, flowed eastward, drawing crowds of the faithful to its banks. In the beginning, earth, water, fire, wind, and sky emerged, and the vast waters shone forth in their pristine glory. There, by the power of the mighty-armed one, those waters merged intimately with the earth. It was said: Go to that great and hallowed place as long as its sacred presence endures. The holy lunar day that shines there is celebrated as imperishable. On that day, one should honor the ancestors with a śrāddha offering and heartfelt devotion. In ages past, the faithful gathered at Kurukṣetra, at the revered site of Pṛthūdaka, for this purpose. Now, the holy lunar day that dispels all sin has arrived for you. O teacher, the fulfillment of the gods’ task rests upon you; therefore, act accordingly. One spoke: “If I should become lord of the rains, then I will go, O gods.” There, Purandara, pleased and devoted, offered a rice-ball to the ancestors. The ancestors, gratified by this act, spoke kindly to their own daughter. Filled with joy, she lived as she wished and, in time, gave birth to three daughters of extraordinary beauty, radiant as divine women. A fourth child was born—a son named Sunābha. O sage, the eldest daughter of Menā was called Rāgiṇī. Another, named Kuṭilā, was adorned in white garlands and garments. The youngest, Kālī, was incomparable in loveliness. These auspicious goddesses resolved to perform great austerities, and the gods beheld them with wonder. Kuṭilā, shining with the brilliance of moonlight, was taken to Brahmā’s world. O Brahmin, it was then said: “You should speak of the son destined to slay the buffalo demon. Let this unfortunate one be released, so she may bear the energy of Śarva.” Another replied: “O Lord, I will strive as you command, though the energy of Śarva is exceedingly hard to bear. By severe austerity, I will propitiate Janārdana. O god, I will do so; truly, truly I have spoken.” O great sage, at that moment, the blessed Brahmā, the primeval lord of all, also spoke: “Therefore, burned by my curse, you shall become all waters.” So impelled, she, whose essence was water, flooded Brahmā’s world with her mighty current. The powerful bonds of the Ṛk, Sāman, Atharvan, and Yajus Vedas, expressed through sacred words, bound her. The pure locks of Brahmā, formed of water, overflowed, inundating all. When the offering had been made to Brahmā, the Lord of Creatures addressed her: “By being mingled with my own essence, you shall become the destroyer of the buffalo.” Yet, though her command was untransgressable even by the gods, it was forcefully transgressed. Again it was said: “You, whose command is untransgressable even by the gods, are forcefully transgressed.” Receiving the conjunction with Kṛttikā, the daughter of the mountain assumed a steadfast form. She sought to restrain her austerities, but another, approaching, spoke to her. Thus approached, that maiden went to the forest of austerities. Fixing Rudra in her mind, she undertook exceedingly difficult penances. A command was given: “Bring here that Kālī, who is performing austerities in the Himalayas.” Yet, overpowered by her radiance, none were able to draw near her.