When Andhaka fell, Śatarūpā shone with a somber radiance, like the night itself. The leaders of the Daityas and Dānavas, witnessing their champion’s defeat, were stirred to action, their hearts burning with renewed resolve. The thunderous sound of their charge echoed across the field, yet the lord of the Gaṇas stood his ground, unwavering. With mighty arms, he seized the thunderbolt, his form resplendent and powerful, reminiscent of Maghavan himself. Amidst this tumult, the goddess turned to her own manifold forms and addressed them: “Go as you wish,” she commanded. “Your dwelling shall henceforth be in gardens and forests. Move among the trees and plants, bowing in reverence to Ambikā as you go.” Thus instructed, her forms dispersed, sanctifying the natural world with their presence. Meanwhile, Andhaka, seeing his forces routed and defeated, fled swiftly to the underworld, seeking refuge from the wrath of the gods. Yet even there, he found no peace. Struck by the arrows of love and tormented by longing for Gaurī, he spent sleepless nights, utterly overcome by the power of desire. A seeker then inquired, “Tell me, how was Andhaka fought? You ought to recount this to me.” From that time onward, Andhaka was seen to be diminished, his brilliance faded and his strength greatly reduced. Seeking restoration, that best of the wise turned his mind to austerity. He wandered across the earth, placing a mountain as his protector, girding his waist with a great conch belt. For a single day, he dwelled among trees, mountain slopes, and rivers, subsisting on air alone. In this way, he stood steadfast for nine hundred years. High upon the broad and beautiful plateau of Himavat, on a level stone surface, the radiant goddess seated herself on the ground, her matted hair forming a sacred seat. There, in that hallowed place, arose the foremost and sacred tirtha, renowned as Kedara. This holy site, O Brahman, increases merit, destroys sin, and leads to liberation. Those who are self-controlled and drink the water of this tirtha will find the linga manifest within the lotus of their hearts. For their ancestors, the śrāddha offerings performed here will be inexhaustible, and for the departed, rebirth shall not occur—they will attain the imperishable. Kedara purifies all who come, just as the word of the three-eyed one declares. To bathe in the goddess Kalindi, the daughter of the Sun and destroyer of sin, is to be surrounded by hundreds of sacred tirthas, including the celebrated Plaksha-born, each a destroyer of sin. There, Hara himself recited the Gayatri called Drupada while immersed in the sacred waters. A full year passed, yet the Lord did not emerge from his meditation. During this time, the stars and their constellations fell from the heavens, dropping to earth. The great sages, perceiving the disturbance, chanted prayers for the well-being of all worlds. Troubled by these omens, they gathered and said, “What is this? The people are disturbed and filled with doubt. It is fitting that we go and see the bearer of the discus and mace.” Led by the Grandsire, they journeyed to the abode of the enemy of Mura. “Whether it is a demon, a Rākṣasa, or a king—let that be revealed,” they pleaded. “And how was he slain in battle by Viṣṇu? Tell us that tale, for it is marvelous, meritorious, and destroys sin.” In the great battle, he beheld the sons of Diti, armed and facing the best of the gods. In that moment, he worshipped mighty, unconquered Brahmā, seeking the wisdom and grace that would bring victory and peace.