Rudra, with deep reverence, approached the supreme goddess Chamunda, whose face was both awe-inspiring and dreadful, whose mouth blazed like fire. Bowing low, he honored her as the benefactor of all beings, the goddess who encompasses all creation. Pleased by Rudra’s sincere praise, the goddess smiled and spoke gently, inviting him to choose any boon he desired. Rudra replied, “O goddess of beautiful countenance, let those who praise you with this hymn, those who honor you as ever-present and true, receive your blessings. May you grant boons to all who recite this threefold hymn with devotion, granting them sons, grandsons, livestock, and prosperity. Whoever listens with devotion to the tale of the origin of your three powers will be freed from all sin and suffering.” After offering these praises to the supreme goddess Chamunda, Rudra—also known as Bhava—vanished instantly, and the gods returned to their heavenly abodes. It was declared that anyone who knows and cherishes the threefold origin of the goddess will be freed from all sins and attain supreme liberation. For a king who has lost his kingdom, observing the ninth day with purity and fasting on the eighth and fourteenth days will, within a year, restore his sovereignty, unobstructed by obstacles. The threefold power of the goddess was revealed in accordance with righteous conduct: the white, sattvic creation established in Brahma; the red, passionate form known as Vaishnavi; and the black, dark form called Raudri. Just as the Supreme Self is one but manifests in three forms, so too does the goddess’s single power become threefold by necessity. Whoever hears this account of creation and the supreme auspiciousness of the triple power is freed from sin and attains the highest liberation. Listening with devotion, especially on the ninth day, grants incomparable sovereignty and freedom from all fears. For those who keep this sacred text in their homes, there will be no dreadful fear from fire, serpents, thieves, or similar dangers. If one worships this text, even as it rests in a book, with devotion and wisdom, it is as if he offers all the three worlds and their beings to the goddess. Cattle, sons, wealth, grain, noble women, jewels, horses, elephants, servants, and vehicles will swiftly come to the home where this text is kept; these blessings are certain. Śrī Varāha spoke: “O bearer of beings, I have revealed this very secret to you, recounting the entire greatness of Rudra. There are nine crore forms of Chamunda, each with its own distinct attributes; this fierce, dark power is called Chamunda. There are eighteen crore forms of Vaishnavi, the sustaining royal power, and the Brahma power, established in sattva, is infinite. Among all these forms, Rudra is the master and pervader. As many forms as there are of this great power, so many forms has Śaṃkara created, and he always assumes the role of their lord. Whoever worships these goddesses, Rudra will be pleased, and the goddesses and their attendants will grant success without doubt.” Now begins the tale of the triple power as it relates to Hari. The goddess, taking a fierce vow, journeyed to the blue mountain, her mind set on deep austerity. Through her prolonged tapas, she sustained the entire world. In another age, her supreme austerity accomplished the highest penance. Within the vast ocean, there was a city rich in jewels and surrounded by a great forest, teeming with countless beings. Over time, these ancient cities of the guardians of the worlds arose. As a great asura rose, the ocean’s waters swelled beyond measure, concealing many enemies of the gods whose weapons and armor shone with wondrous variety. In that place, elephants adorned by the foremost daityas stood, their bells and ornaments jingling. Horses, harnessed to golden seats, were yoked with sturdy harnesses and white fly-whisks. Chariots, swift as the sun’s journey, were fitted with fine poles, axles, and triple bamboo shafts. Warriors, equipped with excellent quivers, stood concealed, eager for battle. From the ranks of gods and demons, these warriors emerged and entered the fray. The daitya lord fought fiercely with the gods, wielding heavy maces, arrows, and club-like weapons. The asuras struck the gods in battle, and the gods struck the asuras in return. Suddenly, the asuras were defeated and fled in great confusion. The powerful asura pursued all the gods, and the hosts of gods, overwhelmed by fear, fled. Seeking refuge, they journeyed to the lofty blue mountain, where the goddess was established.