Through intense austerity, Ambikā burned away the stains of her past, and a divine voice spoke: “Your sins are gone; choose any boon you desire.” The bestower of boons promised her supreme satisfaction, urging her to ask without hesitation. Ambikā, with a pure heart, requested devotion to Gaṇapati, victory, and righteousness. Again, the divine voice pressed her: “Ask freely, Ambikā, and I shall grant your wish.” She then asked for a golden complexion, desiring her body to shine like the delicate filaments of a lotus, leaving behind her former dark sheath. Indra, the king of gods, addressed Girijā for his own purpose, saying, “This Kauśikī has emerged from your treasury, and I am also Kauśika.” With reverence, the thousand-eyed Indra took Kauśikī and swiftly traveled to the Vindhya mountains. There, honored by the gods and known by name, she became famous as Vindhyavāsinī. Indra declared, “You are the slayer of the enemies of the gods,” and then ascended to heaven. Having bowed to Maheśāna, the great lord, Kauśikī stood respectfully before him. For a thousand years, she remained in a state of great delusion. During this time, the seven oceans were agitated, and the gods grew fearful. Bowing to Maheśāna, they asked, “Why is the world so disturbed?” He explained that the worlds had been overwhelmed and plunged into unbearable agitation. Maheśāna called to Śakra, “Let us go and resolve this.” He warned, “He will surely seize the throne of Indra, the king of gods.” Fear caused knowledge to be lost, driven by destined actions. Indra went to Mount Mandara and settled upon its peak. After much deliberation, the gods released the fire, but Agni, considering it difficult to enter, fell into deep anxiety. Agni saw a great, pure line of swans departing and, deceiving the gatekeeper, entered Hara’s courtyard. Laughing deeply, he announced, “The gods are standing at the door.” Śarva quickly came out together with Agni. Indra, the Sun, the Moon, and Fire all bowed, touching their heads to the ground. Śarva said, “For you who bow in reverence, I will grant the highest boon.” The gods pleaded, “Let this great act of union be abandoned for now, O Lord. Let some god accept this excessive energy of mine.” They stood awkwardly, as if sunk in mud, like a group of boys. Śaṅkara spoke, “Release your energy; I, Śaṅkara, will receive it.” Yet, this act was likened to a thirsty man desiring to drink oil instead of water. Having bid farewell to Hara, the gods, restored to themselves, returned to heaven. They approached the great goddess and spoke: “He has been taken away, forbidden to bring forth a son from your womb.” In response, Śivā cursed all the gods: “You shall be deprived of offspring. Therefore, your wives will not bear sons for you.” Summoning Mālinī, the ascetic resolved to have her as a nurse. Meanwhile, Pārvatī pondered the nature of the sweat that had emerged from her own body, considering its unique qualities.