Śivā, with the precision and power of her divine bow, released an arrow that severed the head adorned with earrings. Just as Mahāsena strikes down the crane, and the buffalo is felled, so too did her arrow find its mark. When the battle had ended, the gods, filled with awe and gratitude, journeyed to that great mountain. There, bowing humbly before the goddess, they offered words of heartfelt praise. “Salutations to you, O giver of the kingdoms of Hari and Hara! Salutations to you, accomplisher of the deeds of the sacrificers! Salutations to you, destroyer of the buffalo demon, praised by Hari, Hara, and Bhāskara! Salutations to you, remover of the world’s suffering, wielder of the trident, O Nārāyaṇī, bearer of the discus! Salutations to you, bearer of the thunderbolt and the elephant banner; salutations to you, Kaumāri, who rides the peacock! Salutations to you, who ride upon the donkey’s back, remover of all suffering, the very universe itself! Salutations to you, all-pervading, three-eyed one; repeated salutations to you, bestower of boons—be gracious to us! “You, O Nārasiṃhī, are difficult to behold, your roaring voice resounds; you are also Indrāṇī, armed with the thunderbolt, Mārī clad in hide, delighting in the path of skulls, a Yoginī accomplished in yoga. Truly, there is no misfortune or disgrace for those who always offer you praise, strength, and flowers. By your grace, we have achieved the highest victory over the enemies of the gods in battle. The destruction of evil dreams is assured—there is no doubt. O goddess, now choose another boon as you desire. “Again, you shall burn up the enemies of the gods, your body blazing like fire. You are devoted to the destruction of the demon Andha, and are renowned throughout the worlds as Carcikā. Vipracitti, Lavaṇa, Śumbha, Niśumbha, and the ten-fanged assailant—all these you will overcome. Together with the goddess of boundless truth and power, I shall bear the gods as Śākambharī. Having slain the wicked-acting Daityas, I shall again return to the abode of the gods. Assuming the form of Mahālī, after destroying life, I shall once more return to heaven.” Having spoken thus, the goddess dismissed the assembled beings and ascended into the sky, followed by hosts of perfected souls. This sacred story, spoken by the Blessed Lord, is to be listened to always by the devoted, for it destroys demons and grants protection. Then, a new inquiry arose. “O Brahman,” a devotee asked, “tell me this in detail, as you are devoted to me.” To this, the sage replied: “O Nārada, the fame of the youthful Kārtikeya increased greatly. Because of this, the fire-god of great radiance was overcome. Quickly, he was sent by the gods and journeyed to the world of Brahma. Upon seeing her, he spoke: ‘O crooked one, this radiance is very difficult to bear. Therefore, accept this child; he will become blessed for you.’ He then said to the great river: ‘Cast the fire into the water for me.’ Within that radiant fire were flesh, bones, blood, marrow, intestines, semen, and skin. Because of his golden seed, he is sung in the worlds as Pāvaka. At that time, the river bore the embryo, having reached the abode of Brahma. Seeing her, Brahma asked, ‘Is your embryo well established?’ She replied, ‘Unable to bear it, O noble one, it was deposited in me today.’ The time of the embryo continued; it never fell at any time. There is a great, fierce place called Śaravaṇa, a hundred yojanas wide. After ten thousand years, then the boy will be born. The daughter of the mountain came and easily abandoned the embryo. By the power of mantra, the crooked one became composed of water. Other residents there were trees, beasts, and birds. At last, the boy was born—his radiance like the rising sun, his eyes like lotuses—heralding a new era among the gods.