The monkey sage decided to soften the curse. He said, “I am very sorry, Punjikasthala. I cannot take back this curse. But as soon as you give birth to Lord Shiv’s incarnation, the curse will end. Pray to Lord Shiv.” Shortly, Punjikasthala could feel something happening to her body. She rushed to a nearby river and noticed fur growing on her body. Her face became just like that of a monkey and she grew a tail, too! She was overcome with grief and wandered here and there, in the forest. Suddenly, she remembered the sage’s advice to pray to Lord Shiv. Punjikasthala soon created a small lingam and prayed to Lord Shiv and goddess Parvati before going to sleep. Instantly, she fell asleep peacefully. The next morning, she again sat down to worship Shiv and Parvati. Then she continued her aimless journey till she came across a small hermitage. She decided to stay here.
Punjikasthala Prays to Lord Shiv
