In a time of profound reverence, Maheshvara, the great Lord Shiva, was praised by all, free from even the faintest trace of arrogance. Yet, it was remembered that pride, when left unconquered, can bring illusions and false testimony, as it had for others before. But today, it was known that Maheshvara possessed the power to dispel all suffering, to grant relief even to those weighed down by their own offenses—those who had been ungrateful or had betrayed their teachers. The assembly offered their salutations: “Victory to you, O Lord, whose form radiates like the sun, whose hands bestow the nectar of immortality. Victory to you, whose brilliance is like the universal fire, whose presence moves like the wind itself. Protect us, O one who transcends the three qualities, embodiment of time itself! You are the creator of all worlds, the protector of every living being. Subtler than the subtlest, greater than the greatest, the very breath of the Vedas is yours, and the universe is but a reflection of your artistry. The immortals, the Dānavas, the Daityas, the Siddhas, the Vidyādharas, and humans—all beings look to you. You are heaven and liberation; you are Om, you are the sacrifice. You are the beginning, the middle, and the end of all that moves and all that stands still. Supreme Lord, transcendent teacher, universal benefactor, the most auspicious one—you are all these. One who seeks refuge in you attains the highest good. Hearing these praises, even the Veda itself is moved to compassion everywhere. And so, bowing deeply to that radiant pillar, the Supreme Lord, Brahmā, though restrained, persisted in his devotion, smiling gently. He addressed Shiva with further praise: “O destroyer of Time, destroyer of sacrifices, blue-throated one, moon-crested one—victory to you, Śambhu, Śiva, Īśāna, Śarva, Three-eyed one, matted-haired ascetic! Victory to you, Lord of victory, wielder of the broken axe, trident-bearer, Lord of beasts, Hara! Victory to you, Rudra, destroyer of sacrifices, wielder of the Pināka bow, leader of the Pramathas! Victory to you, terrible one, hunter of beasts, clad in hides, ocean of compassion! By your command, the wind-god and the serpent bear the weight of the earth. The luminaries move across the sky at your bidding. Through your ordinance, prosperity is nurtured and the earth yields its crops. You possess the unique splendor of all the great powers, beginning with aṇimā, the power to become infinitesimal. When we are free from hardship, we forget you; but in distress, we remember you. It is by your will, O Lord, that devotion arises in us, and by your will, it is withdrawn.” Thus, with hands joined in reverence, they continued their praise. Then, the Lord of creatures, Vishnu, who bears the discus, looked on. At that moment, Shiva mounted his bull, which shone as white as the peak of Mount Kailāsa. His matted locks were crowned by a crescent moon, and serpents hung as earrings. His eyes blazed from his broad forehead. He carried a trident, a skull, a drum, a deer, an axe, and a bow. His breath dusted his form, and he wore an upper garment made of elephant hide, with a tiger skin as his lower garment. Those assembled beheld him in awe, but Brahmā, born from the lotus, was utterly bewildered, knowing nothing at all in the presence of such majesty. Shiva, with a gracious gaze and delight in his eyes, looked upon Mādhava, Vishnu. He spoke of the authority both Vishnu and Brahmā possessed at the dawn of creation. He revealed, “Having tested my greatness, Hari—Vishnu—became awakened. And when I was mocked, O Brahmā, you desired five faces.” Thus, the mystery and harmony of the divine were revealed in the sacred assembly, as the gods beheld the supreme glory of Maheshvara.