Listen, O wise one, to the mystery of creation: just as the Supreme Self, though truly one, abides in threefold form, so too did the single divine power, by necessity, manifest itself as three. This is the supreme auspiciousness of the triple power. Whoever hears this sacred account of creation, contemplating the greatness of the threefold energy, is freed from all sin and attains the highest liberation. If one listens to this narrative with devotion, especially steadfast on the ninth day, he gains incomparable sovereignty and is delivered from all fears. For the one who keeps this sacred text written and preserved within the home, there will be no dreadful fear—from fire, from serpents, from thieves, or from any calamity. And whoever worships this scripture with devotion and wisdom, even if it rests quietly in a book, it is as if he has offered all the three worlds, with their moving and unmoving beings, in worship. For such a devotee, cattle, sons, wealth, grain, noble women, jewels, horses, elephants, servants, and vehicles will swiftly come to his household; these blessings surely manifest for him. Thus, O bearer of beings, I, Śrī Varāha, have revealed to you this most secret knowledge, declaring the entire greatness of Rudra. Know that there are nine crore forms of Cāmuṇḍā, each established with distinct qualities—the fierce and dark power known as Cāmuṇḍā. There are also eighteen crore forms of Vaiṣṇavī, the sustaining royal power, and the Brahma power established in sattva, which is declared to be infinite. Among all these diverse forms, Lord Rudra is the master and pervader of each and every one. As many as are the forms of this great power, so many has Śaṃkara created, and he always assumes the role of their lord. Whoever worships these goddesses, Rudra is pleased, and the goddesses themselves, along with their attendants, grant success—of this, there can be no doubt. Now hear of the triple power as it relates to Hari. There is she who took a fierce vow, journeying to the blue mountain, her mind set wholly on austerity. Through long and intense penance, she sustained the entire world. In another age, by the supreme austerity of the goddess, the highest penance was accomplished. In the midst of the ocean, there arose a city wondrously rich in jewels, surrounded by a great forest. There, countless hundreds of thousands gathered, their numbers ever increasing. Over vast ages, these ancient cities of the guardians of the worlds came into being. Then, as a mighty asura rose, the waters of the ocean swelled beyond measure. Within its depths, many enemies of the gods lay concealed, their weapons and armor shining with marvelous variety. There stood elephants adorned by the foremost daityas, decked with bells and jingling ornaments. Horses, harnessed to golden seats and yoked with sturdy harnesses and white fly-whisks, were arrayed for war. Chariots, swift as the sun’s course, were fitted with fine poles, axles, and triple bamboo shafts. Warriors, too, stood ready and concealed, eager for battle, their quivers full and excellent. From the ranks of gods and demons, these warriors entered the fray. The lord of the daityas fought fiercely with the gods, wielding heavy maces, arrows, and club-like weapons. The asuras struck the gods in battle, and the gods replied in kind. But the asuras, suddenly overwhelmed, were defeated and fled in great confusion. Yet the powerful asura pursued all the gods relentlessly, so that all the hosts of the gods, overtaken by fear, fled from him. Seeking refuge, they went to the lofty blue mountain where the goddess was established. There, the goddess known as Kalaratri, recognized as the very agent of destruction, stood. She spoke in a loud voice to the best of the gods: “Do not fear! Why are you so troubled, O gods? Is some danger perceived? Speak quickly, O gods, of whatever causes you fear.” The gods replied, “The lord of the daityas approaches, fierce and mighty. Protect your brothers and the gods, O supreme ruler.” Hearing their plea, the goddess smiled with great affection before the gods, radiant and auspicious—she by whom this entire world is pervaded and transformed in countless ways. Around her stood assembled goddesses, all fearsome, bearing spears and splendid with bows, arrayed in ranks. Mighty in strength, these goddesses fought together with the Danavas, their quivers bound and ready. The gods, too, fully equipped, joined the battle against the host of Nagas. In that great conflict, the entire force of the Danavas was led to destruction by Yama, the lord of death. Thus, the power of the goddess, the courage of the gods, and the fate of the asuras unfolded, revealing the infinite majesty and protection of the triple power.