Shiva was enraptured when he heard of her love; and the Seven Seers went home rejoicing. Then the all-wise Shiva, firmly concentrating his mind, began to meditate on Raghunatha.

Now at that time there was a demon, Taraka, of tremendous strength of arm, glory and majesty. He conquered all the spheres as well as the guardians of those spheres, so that all the gods were robbed of their happiness and prosperity.

He knew neither age nor death; he was invincible. The gods fought many a battle with him and lost them. Then they went to Viranchi (Brahma) and told him their suffering. The Creator saw that all the gods were in distress.

Brahma comforted them all and said, “The demon shall die only when a son is born of the seed of Shiva; for he alone can conquer the demon in battle.

Hear what I say and act accordingly; God will help you and the plan will succeed. Sati, who abandoned her body at Daksha’s sacrifice, has taken birth again in the house of Himachala.

She has practised penance to win the hand of Shankara, but Shiva has renounced everything and sits absorbed in contemplation. Though it is most unseemly, yet listen to what I propose.

Go and send Kama (the god of love) to Shiva and let him disturb the serenity of Shiva’s mind. After that, we shall go with bowed heads and persuade him to wed her even against his will.