For many years, I undertook severe austerities, enduring great hardship to my body, all in the hope of exhausting my sins. And now, O foremost among the twice-born, my heart is truly uplifted—I am filled with joy, my soul purified, and I dance in delight. Yet, simply striking or causing harm brings me no happiness; indeed, you, sir, seem heedless of this truth. Then, pausing his dance and overcome with wonder, he bowed low with humility and reverence at the feet. This sacred ford upon the earth is supreme, equal in merit to the renowned Prithudaka. May it always remain the foremost repository of righteousness—the Sarasvata—removing sin and impurity. The Sarasvati is enchanting, vast, and flows with abundant waters. All these most virtuous places grant the fruit of Soma-pala. Whoever worships here will attain great merit and reach Brahmaloka, that realm so difficult to obtain. Having established the image at Kurukshetra, the self-controlled one indeed attained Brahmaloka. Then, pure Shambhu departed for Mandara, his own abode. In solitude, he entered, his mind intent and united with the goddess for that very purpose. Though Shankara dwelt upon Mount Mandara, let his form be described. Assuming a fierce aspect, he addressed all the Danavas, declaring: “Whoever brings the daughter of Madri swiftly to me, I shall grant him his desire.” With a voice deep as thunder, Prahlada replied, “My father is the three-eyed god; let the reason for this be heard. Long ago, I worshipped Mahadeva for the sake of a son. That son, desiring offspring himself, spoke these words to the Lord. Then, for the one established in yoga, all became covered in utter darkness. This, O Daitya, is for you to take—your own son, suitable for you. That wicked one will also desire the Mother of the Three Worlds. Then I myself will purify his body. Your father also journeyed, taking you to the netherworld. Indeed, Śambhu, the Guru of all the world, is certainly the father here. One such as you should not set your mind upon sinful intent. The wife of Śambhu is unconquerable; you, O destroyer of gods, are not worthy. Without conquering Rudra and his hosts, such desire is unattainable today. He might uproot Mount Meru, but he cannot defeat the trident-bearing Lord. And Hara cannot be conquered—this is the truth, the truth I have spoken. A fool, lusting after another’s wife, along with his realm, met destruction. That mighty one then chose Bhārgava for the office of priest. Sukra had a daughter named Arajā. Honored by him for a long time, the best of Bhārgavas remained there. The king then arrived as Arajā, of beautiful limbs, stood there. The venerable Śukra went to perform the sacrifice for the son of Danu. They said to him, “O king, the guru’s daughter remains unmarried.” Then the mighty-armed one entered and saw her, still unwed. There arose Andhaka, the staff, impelled by the force of Death. O king, though alone, he approached even the disciples of Shukra, being powerful.