Sūta said, “After hearing the words of Prajāpati Brahmā, Nārada became delighted in his mind and spoke these words:”

Nārada said, “O Brahmā, O great disciple of Viṣṇu, endowed with great intellect, you are a blessed devotee of Śiva and a guide to the understanding of the great principle. You have narrated the divine story of Arundhatī and her previous form as Sandhyā. It increases our devotion to Śiva. Now, O knower of virtue, please tell me the excellent story of Śiva, that quells all sins and is very excellent bestower of all auspicious benefits. When Kāma was delighted after taking a wife to himself, when Sandhyā had gone to perform penance and when others had also left, what happened?”

Sūta said, “On hearing the words of that sage of magnanimous soul, Brahmā became more pleased and spoke as follows:”