After the tumultuous events, Śiva pointed out Bhṛṅgī to all assembled, firmly declaring, “This is certainly not Andhaka.” The gods and attendants, recognizing the bull-bannered one’s greatness—he who had attained the leadership of the divine hosts—praised him with reverence and gratitude. Śiva, in his benevolence, 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’s grace, the gods joyfully departed for their celestial realms. When the foremost among them, led by Śakra, had gone, the blessed Śiva remained. His attendants, seeing Śaṅkara, mounted their respective vehicles and departed to places where wish-fulfilling cows and trees yielding all desires abound. Once the attendants had gone their own ways, Maheśvara waited. After two thousand years, the boon-holder returned. Seeing him arrive, adorned with all auspicious marks and features, the goddess summoned Jaya and the others, who came swiftly. Then, the three-eyed Śiva, seeing Girijā and also the demon Andhaka, spoke: “O goddess, this Andhaka has been made your servant by me.” Uttering these words, Śiva addressed his son: “O son, quickly destroy Andhaka.” So commanded by the Lord, Nandi and Andhaka, chief among the hosts, performed a praise most meritorious, sin-destroying, and in perfect accord with the scriptures. Śiva then said, “Son, I am pleased. Ask for the highest boon.” The reply came: “May devotion to the Lord and to you, O Ambika, always be mine.” Remaining in worship of Śarva, he became the lord of the hosts. Bhairava, assuming a form that inspires fear, created it by his own devotion. This sacred praise is to be recited among the best of twice-born, by those seeking righteousness, long life, health, and wealth, always. Then, the narrative shifted. “My own task has been accomplished,” the speaker declared. “You ought to explain it to me.” O Brahman, what has been done is for the welfare of the world and likewise for oneself. The enemies were defeated by the hosts of gods, eager to descend to the netherworld. The mountain, covered by creepers and filled with intoxicated beings, was fragrant with mādhavī blossoms, worshipped by sages and pleasing to Hara. Led by Maya and Tāra, the defeated ones chose that place for their dwelling. The southern wind blew gently, cool and mixed with fragrance. There, acts worthy of universal honor were performed among the hosts of gods. Hari, traveling along the path, saw a cow-mother and witnessed all the Dānavas, delighted and enjoying pleasures. They too approached, untroubled, scattering heaps of arrows. O sage among the twice-born, Hari covered the mountains with rain as a cloud does. He struck Pāka with sharp-tipped arrows, clad in feathers. Śakra, lord of all immortals, became the chastiser of Pāka. With well-feathered arrows, he tore him apart, thus earning the name Purandara. And that which was conquered, O Brāhman, went down to the netherworld. Finally, the sage was addressed: “O best of sages, what else do you wish to hear from me, told by Tryambaka? O Brāhman, this doubt turns again and again in my heart.” Thus, the tale reached its thoughtful conclusion, inviting further inquiry and reflection.