After the events had unfolded, pure Shambhu—Lord Shiva—returned to Mandara, his own abode. Seeking solitude, he entered, his mind deeply focused, and united with the goddess, Parvati, for the very purpose that had drawn him there. Though Shankara dwelt upon Mandara, let his form be described: assuming a fierce and formidable appearance, Shiva addressed all the Danavas, the demon hosts, with commanding authority. He declared, “Whoever brings the daughter of Madri swiftly to me, I shall grant him his heart’s desire.” At this, Prahlada, his voice resonant and deep as thunder, spoke before all: “My father is the three-eyed god. Hear the reason for this. Long ago, I worshipped Mahadeva, seeking a son. My son, desiring a son himself, spoke these words to the Lord. Then, for the one established in yoga, everything became shrouded in darkness—utter darkness enveloped all. This, O Daitya, is to be taken—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 came, 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 his mind on such sinful intent. This wife of his is unconquerable; you, O destroyer of gods, are not worthy. Without conquering Rudra and his hosts, that desire is today unattainable. 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, the Bhārgava, had a daughter named Arajā. Honored by him for a long time, the best of Bhārgavas remained there. The king arrived, while Arajā, she 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, impelled by the force of Death, like a staff. O king, though alone, he approached even the disciples of Shukra, being powerful. The Dānava, delighted, honored him with the affection of a brother. He said, “Gladden me now with the water of your embrace. My father, in great wrath, could burn even the gods. You are my sister by dharma, and I am your father’s disciple. Today, O slender-waisted one, the fire of desire consumes my body. Ask the guru himself for this; he will surely grant it to you. If the proper moment is missed, an obstacle will arise, O beautiful one. Women are not independent to give themselves away, even if able. Go, by Shukra’s command, with your attendants, kin, and relatives.