O revered one, listen to the wondrous events that unfolded in ancient times. The creatures of the world, gripped by fear, approached the great god Brahmā and pleaded, “O Lord, each day, whenever the serpents cast their gaze upon any human or animal, that being is instantly reduced to ashes. You, O god, created this world, yet now it is being destroyed by the serpents. Knowing this calamity, O great-minded one, please act to remedy it.” Hearing their plea, Brahmā, the self-born Lord, reassured the trembling creatures, “I will surely protect you all. Go now to your own abodes; do not be afraid.” With these words, Brahmā, whose form transcends perception, sent the creatures away. Overjoyed and filled with relief, they bowed to the Four-faced One and departed. When the creatures had gone, Brahmā summoned the serpents—Vāsuki and the others at their head. His anger was great, and he cursed them, declaring, “Because you, born from me, continually bring destruction to humans, in another age, due to your mother’s dreadful curse, there will surely come a terrible destruction for you during the Svāyambhuva Manvantara.” Upon hearing Brahmā’s fierce words, the foremost serpents trembled and fell at his feet, praying, “O Lord, you have made our nature crooked, filled us with potent poison, cruelty, and a terrifying gaze. You have fashioned us thus—now, O Achyuta, please restrain this nature.” Brahmā replied, “If indeed I created you with a crooked nature, why then do you not, without fear, devour humans always?” The serpents answered humbly, “O Lord of gods, establish boundaries—set separate abodes for us and for humans, and lay down clear rules for each.” Hearing their plea, Brahmā spoke with authority, “I will set an agreement between you serpents and humans. Now, all of you, listen carefully to my command. The delightful realms of Pātāla, Vitala, and Harmya are given to you as your abodes. Go there and, by my decree, enjoy all manner of pleasures until the seventh night, again and again. Then, at the dawn of Vaivasvata’s era, you, the descendants of Kāśyapa, will become the heirs of the gods and the wise Suparṇa. At that time, all your offspring will be consumed by Citrabhānu. For you, there will be no fault in this—have no doubt. The cruel and unruly among you will surely meet their end. When the time is right, you may bite and devour, especially if wronged by a human. “But those humans who move about protected by mantras, herbs, or Garuḍa-circles, or who are bound and seen—toward them, act with fear and caution. Do not harm them, for if you do, you will perish.” Thus instructed by Brahmā, the serpents withdrew to the earth’s surface, and, rejoicing, settled in Rasātala, delighting in all pleasures. With both curse and blessing from the Four-faced Lord, they dwelt content in their abode in Pātāla. This momentous event took place on the fifth lunar day, making that day ever sacred, auspicious, and a remover of all sins. Whoever, on this day, observes restraint, avoids sour things, and bathes the serpents with milk, will win the serpents as friends. Now, Prajāpāla inquired, “O best of twice-born, how was Kārttikeya born from ego? Resolve my doubt, O great sage.” Mahātapā replied, “The Supreme Person, the essence of all principles, gave rise to the unmanifest, and from that, the threefold principles beginning with the elements. Between the person and the unmanifest arose the great principle, mahat, which is called ahaṃkāra—ego, the great one. “The person is known as Viṣṇu, or by name as Śiva; the unmanifest is the goddess Umā, or Śrī of lotus eyes. From their union arises ego, and he is the commander Guha. Hear now of his origin. “First was the god Nārāyaṇa; from him came Brahmā; from Brahmā, the others such as Svāyambhuva and the Marīcis, born from the sun. From them arose the gods, demons, gandharvas, humans, birds, cattle, and all beings—thus creation unfolded. “As creation expanded, the mighty gods and demons, driven by rivalry, fought fiercely for victory. Among the powerful demons, leaders arose—Hiraṇyakaśipu, Hiraṇyākṣa, Vipracitti, Vicitti, Bhīmākṣa, and Krauñca—heroes of immense strength who, in great battles, continually defeated the army of the gods with their sharp arrows. “Seeing the gods’ defeat, Bṛhaspati spoke, ‘O gods, your army is weak for lack of a leader. Indra alone cannot protect the divine host. Seek out a commander swiftly.’ “Thus advised, the gods hurried to Brahmā, the Grandfather of the worlds, and anxiously requested, ‘Give us a commander!’ The Four-faced One pondered deeply and reflected upon Rudra in his mind. “Then, the gods, joined by gandharvas, sages, siddhas, and cāraṇas, and led by Brahmā, journeyed to Mount Kailāsa. There, they beheld the great god Śiva, Lord of beings, and Indra and all the gods praised him with many hymns. “They prayed, ‘We bow down and seek refuge in the great Lord, the three-eyed creator of beings. O husband of Umā, Lord of the universe, Lord of winds and worlds, Śaṅkara, protect us. ‘O trident-bearer, supreme person, unfailing one, whose matted locks are adorned by the crescent moon, whose radiance illumines all three worlds—protect the universe from the demons. ‘You are the primordial god, the supreme person, Hari, Bhava, the great Lord, destroyer of the triple city, mighty one, destroyer of Bhaga’s eye, ancient foe of demons, bull-bannered Lord—protect us, O best of the gods.’” Thus, with devotion and reverence, the gods sought refuge in the great Lord, yearning for a commander to lead them and restore balance to creation.