O Auspicious One, in that sacred time, the Yakshas, Vidyadharas, and humans all bore witness to wondrous events. There was Carcika, the blessed and auspicious goddess, so named because her form had been smeared with blood. This radiant and beautiful being wandered across the earth, journeying far and wide until she reached the excellent mountain called Haingulata. By your grace, O great soul, rulership over planets and the world—whether auspicious or inauspicious—would come into being. Then, Bhairava, the fierce Lord, made the body dry, leaving only skin and bones, with no trace of blood remaining. This Lord, master of all that moves and does not move, the sovereign of countless forms of life, was praised and worshipped by all the gods and other beings. He, the primordial one, stood supreme as Andhaka, overcome with awe, composed a hymn in his honor. “O twenty-armed one, bearer of the serpent-lord, three-eyed, protect me, for my mind is afflicted,” Andhaka prayed. “O bearer of the bull, revered as the mother of the three worlds, I am fearful and have come to you for refuge, seeking your shelter. The Yakshas, humans, the mighty Lord, and all beings call the lord of beings Maheshvara. I am your servant, O Hara; protect me. O lord of the worlds, destroy my sins. O embodiment of the three Vedas, O radiant one, purify me; I have come to you for refuge. You are the lord of the three worlds; purify me, O Shambhu. I am your servant, fearful, and have sought your shelter. With a mind conquered by the enemy of desire, I honor you, bowing my head in reverence. Rescue me, O Lord, O Ishana, remover of all sins, be gracious. Though my conduct has been sinful, O Lord of existence, be pleased with me.” Andhaka’s hymn continued: “You are auspiciousness, you are Om, you are Ishana, eternal and imperishable. You are Indra, you are the Vaṣaṭ call, you are Dharma, and you are the best among the gods. By you, this entire world, both immobile and mobile, is pervaded. You are victory, you are thousand-eyed, you are Virupaksha, mighty-armed. You are the lord of the celestials, unwavering, Rudra, lord of creatures, Shiva. You are victorious, you hold the trident; rescue me, who has sought refuge.” Moved by this heartfelt supplication, the copper-eyed one, filled with affection, spoke to the golden-eyed. “Choose a boon, auspicious one, whatever you desire—except for Ambika.” Andhaka, bowing deeply, said, “I bow to the feet of the mother, my Ambika, worthy of reverence. Whether my actions have been bodily, mental, verbal, sinful, or ill-conceived, may unwavering devotion to you be granted to me as this boon.” With compassion, the Lord declared, “You are freed from the nature of a demon. Bhṛṅgī, become the leader of the attendants.” Then, with his own hand, he cleansed Andhaka, healing his wounds and making him whole. The great souls present, honoring the three-eyed Lord, departed with reverence. The Lord then showed Bhṛṅgī, saying, “This is certainly not Andhaka.” All praised the bull-bannered one, who had now attained the leadership of the attendants. The Lord addressed them: “Go to your own abodes; enjoy happiness in heaven. There, having accomplished your own tasks, afterwards proceed to the highest heaven.” Released by Maheśa, the gods returned to their celestial realms. When the foremost of the gods, led by Śakra, had departed, the blessed Śiva remained. The attendants, beholding Śaṅkara, mounted their respective vehicles and journeyed to realms where wish-fulfilling cows and trees yielding all desires abound. When the attendants had gone their own ways, Maheśvara was left in peace. And after two thousand years had passed, the boon-holder returned, bringing the cycle of divine events full circle.