A wise person, it is said, should never abandon their duties or those who depend upon them; yet today, you have acted against dharma and truth. Even so, I shall make every effort so that you will one day call me ‘Kālī.’ With permission granted, the three-born Brahmā immediately ascended to heaven. With careful attention, the Creator fashioned a form as if sculpted by a master’s chisel. In this auspicious time, Jayantī, unconquered on the fourth day, shone with her own brilliance. Thus permitted by the goddess, the virtuous devotees rendered their service with devotion. At that moment, a fearsome tiger, armed with sharp fangs and claws, arrived in that region. It declared its intent: “When she is about to fall, then I will indeed seize her.” Fixing his gaze single-mindedly upon her face, he watched her every movement. Meanwhile, the goddess herself undertook severe austerities for a hundred years, offering praises to Brahmā, the Lord of the three worlds. Pleased by her penance, Brahmā appeared and said, “By your austerity, your sins are burned away. Choose a boon as you desire, for I am the bestower of boons, and I will grant you supreme satisfaction.” The goddess replied, “Grant me devotion to Gaṇapati, victory, and righteousness.” Brahmā encouraged her further, “Choose a boon without hesitation; I will grant you a boon, O Ambikā.” She asked, “Grant me a boon: a complexion like gold. Abandoning the dark sheath, let my body shine like the filaments of a lotus.” Elsewhere, Indra spoke to Girijā, choosing his words carefully for his own purpose. He said, “This Kauśikī has arisen from your treasury, and I am also Kauśika.” Even the thousand-eyed Indra, having taken her, swiftly went to the Vindhya mountains. There, honored by the gods and known by name, she became famed as Vindhyavāsinī. Indra praised her, saying, “You are the slayer of the enemies of the gods,” and then ascended to heaven. Having bowed to Maheśāna, the goddess stood respectfully before him, O sage. Yet she remained for a thousand years in a state of great delusion. During this time, the seven oceans were agitated, and the gods became fearful. They approached Maheśāna, bowed, and asked, “Why is the world so disturbed?” Maheśāna replied, “Because of that, these worlds have been overwhelmed and entered into an unbearable agitation.” He then said, “Come, O Śakra, let us go and resolve this matter.” For it was feared that someone would surely seize Indra’s throne from the king of the gods. Out of fear, knowledge was lost, prompted by the force of destiny. Indra then went to Mount Mandara and settled upon its peak. After much deliberation, the gods resolved to release the fire. Yet, considering it difficult to enter, the fire itself fell into deep anxiety. Suddenly, Agni saw a great and pure line of swans departing. Seizing an opportunity, he deceived the gatekeeper and entered Hara’s courtyard. There, he spoke with a deep laugh, “The gods are standing at the door.” Śarva, hearing this, quickly came out together with Agni, O Nārada. Along with Indra, the Sun, the Moon, and Fire, they all bowed low, touching their heads to the ground in reverence. Śarva said, “For you who bow in reverence, I will grant the highest boon.” The gods pleaded, “Therefore, let this great act of union be abandoned for now, O Lord.” And they requested, “Let some god accept this excessive energy of mine.