The atmosphere was filled with joy and reverence as the great sages, freed from all sorrow, and the Gandharvas sang melodious songs in celebration. The gods, moved by deep devotion, worshipped him and bestowed upon him a name reflecting its true significance. Everywhere, he would be known by the name Meghanadeshvara. Through his power, people on earth would find fulfillment. For thousands of millions of aeons, and even hundreds of millions more, O Parvati, the greatness of Meghanada would be recited and remembered in that sacred place. From Brahma down to the smallest blade of grass, the three worlds—filled with all moving and unmoving beings—had been produced, sustained, and pervaded by him, as Parvati had heard. All the sages, exceedingly joyful and silent, imperishable in their wisdom, recognized that this entire universe—the three worlds of earth, atmosphere, and heaven—had been created by him. Among gods, demons, Gandharvas, sages, celestial beings, and serpents, Parvati wondered, “O god, where were you situated when you created the world of moving and unmoving beings? Who is that great abode, established in the form of the fierce planets?” Thus questioned by the goddess, he replied, “I have told you this as it was in ancient times. The elements, beginning with earth, O beloved, are found within the great forest of Time. In worlds such as Brahmaloka and others, possessing incomparable and auspicious qualities, there always abides the supreme linga, composed of the highest Brahman. There, Brahma and the other gods, and Vishnu himself, are established; from that linga arose the great soul and the great intellect. The principle of elements, ego, Vishnu, Shambhu, and Parvati—all originate there. That which has hands and feet everywhere, faces, heads, and mouths in all directions, from this arise the marks of all beings, and indeed the five great elements: earth, water, space, and the fourfold kinds of birth. The fourfold sign of birth is observed in this very linga. Passion, goodness, and darkness, along with their manifestations, arise from it. That which is unmanifest, the subtle cause, and of the nature of both being and non-being, is found here. The Visvedevas, the Adityas, the Vasus, and the Ashvins as well, along with waters, sky, earth, wind, the intermediate space, and the directions—all that exists has arisen as witnessed by the world. Therefore, it is renowned as the Great Source in the three worlds. Whoever worships that linga as the Great Source in the form of Rudra, when the Lord of the Great Source, the Supreme Lord, is worshipped in that holy place, O highly fortunate one, then even those who worship are themselves worshipped by others. By whose mere sight, liberation is attained, O Parvati. In former times, during the Rathantara epoch, there was an excellent twice-born brahmin. Near Mahakala, indeed, was the supreme linga of liberation. The brahmin performed austerity, having conquered his appetite, for thirteen years. There flowed the sacred river Shipra, beloved by the Brahmanas, which removes great sins. One day, he saw a hunter, bearing a great bow, with blood-red eyes, most terrifying to behold. Seeing the hunter, the brahmin was agitated, fearing the slayer of a brahmin. Yet, seeing him, Hari concealed within, the hunter stood before him as if afraid. Now, the brahmin’s mind turned inward, seeing the radiant presence before him.