Chapter 7 of 43 · Koti Rudra Samhita · Overall chapter 278 of 464
Greatness of Nandikeshvara
The widowed brahmani Rishika, performing austerities for Shiva after resisting an asura's attempted seduction and watching Shiva reduce him to ashes, asks only for eternal devotion and Shiva's permanent presence at the spot - which Ganga then joins by pledging an annual visit on that same saptami in Vaishakha, explaining the river's recurring presence at Nandikesha.
The rishis asked
Suta, lord, how does Ganga in particular come to the Narmada on the seventh day in Vaishakha? How did Ishvara arise under the name Nandikesha? Very intelligent one, gladly tell us that account.
Suta replied
Best of rishis, you have asked a virtuous question about Nandikesha, and I will tell it now. Merit grows if one hears it. There was a brahmani named Rishika, the daughter of a certain brahmana. By the norms she married a certain brahmana. Lords among brahmanas, though excellent in her vows, by the power of her earlier karma the brahmana's wife became a widow at an early age. Keeping the vow of brahmacharya, she made an earthen lingam and tormented herself with extremely terrible austerities. Meanwhile a wicked, powerful asura named Mudha came there. He knew much of maya and was wounded by Kama's arrows. He saw the beautiful, very desirable woman doing austerities and wished to enjoy her, and offered her many inducements. But the woman, excellent in her vows and devoted to meditation on Shiva, did not look at him with eyes of desire. The brahmani was engaged in austerities and paid him no heed, fixed in her meditation on Shiva. Mudha, lord among daityas, scolded the slender lady. Then he showed her his terrible form. The evil-souled one spoke harsh words that caused fear. He frightened the brahmana's wife in many ways. The slender wife was scared and terrified. Lovingly she called Shiva's name several times and took refuge in Shiva. Agitated, the lady recited Shiva's names. Keeping to her own dharma, she took refuge with Shambhu. To protect those who take refuge in him, to promote good conduct and to please her, Shiva appeared. The lord among daityas, Mudha, was overcome by desire. Shankara, affectionate to his devotees, reduced him to ashes at once. Then Paramesha cast a compassionate glance at her. Skilled in understanding and set on protecting his devotees, he said, "Ask a boon." Hearing Mahesha, the virtuous brahmani saw Shankara in an auspicious form that creates bliss. She bowed to Shambhu Paramesha, bringer of joy. The virtuous lady, a store of auspiciousness, bent her shoulders, joined her hands and praised him.
Rishika said
Lord of the gods, Mahadeva, you who are affectionate to those who take refuge, friend of the distressed, Ishana, you always protect your devotees. You have saved my dharma from the asura Mudha. You have killed the wicked one and saved the whole world. Please grant me eternal, supreme devotion to your feet. Protector, this is the only boon I wish, nothing else. Lord Maheshvara, please hear something more. For the welfare of the worlds, please stay established here.
Suta continued
Mahadeva heard Rishika, auspicious in her vows. When she fell silent, Girisha, the store of compassion, spoke.
Girisha said
Rishika, you have good conduct and are my special devotee. I will grant all the boons you have asked.
Suta continued
Meanwhile Hari, Brahma and the other gods, hearing of Shiva's appearing, came there, full of delight. All of them cheerfully bowed to Shiva and worshipped him. Brahmanas, they lowered their heads, folded their hands and wisely praised him. At that time Ganga, the celestial river, pleased in mind, praised the virtuous Rishika and her conduct.
Ganga said
For my sake you must give me a pledge: on this day in the month of Vaishakha you must stay near me.
Suta continued
Hearing Ganga, the virtuous lady, excellent in vows, said yes. She agreed gladly for the welfare of the worlds. To give her bliss, Shiva Hara, delighted, merged into the earthen lingam in all his portions. All the gods were very happy and praised Shiva and her. Vishnu, Brahma, the others and the celestial river went back to their own abodes. Since that day, that pure spot became an excellent holy place. Shiva is famous there as Nandikesha and destroys all sins. Brahmanas, auspicious in her wishes, on that day every year Ganga goes there to cleanse the sins she has taken from men. A man who bathes there and worships Nandikesha properly is cleansed of all sins, including those of killing a brahmana.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.