From among the illustrious Ādityas, Bhaga, the son of Kaśyapa, arrived alone. His robust form was adorned with auspicious ornaments, and he shone with a radiance, strength, and authority equal to his magnificent splendor. Then, Kṛtānta, the embodiment of death, swiftly came, wielding his staff and riding a formidable buffalo. His massive body resembled a great mountain, adorned with gold and precious gems. Samīraṇa, the wind god and sustainer of all worlds, ascended his celestial palace and approached, his energy overwhelming all the lords of gods and demons, surpassing their brilliance. Next, Agni, the fire god, entered, blazing among the gods. He stood in their midst with a splendid form, his limbs shining with various jewels, and his foremost divine palace was the finest in all the worlds. Kubera, the lord of wealth and king of kings, ascended swiftly, filling all the lords of gods and demons with his radiant presence and beautiful form. The moon, Chandra, arrived, shining brightly, mounted upon a palace of wondrous gems. His body was dark yet splendidly adorned, enveloped in fragrant garlands. Soon, the mighty one bearing the mace mounted Tārkṣya, whose form was like a great mountain. Alongside him, the two Ashvins, the foremost physicians, hurriedly boarded a single celestial vehicle. Two illustrious gods, radiant and splendid in form, arrived as valiant heroes, each bearing a thousand serpents. Their bodies shone with fiery hues, blazing with the brilliance of fire and the sun. That great soul, accompanied by other serpents, ascended the celestial vehicle and approached the sons of Diti and the mighty demons, whose radiance equaled that of fire, the sun, Indra, and wind. All were adorned in attire befitting their status, gathering before the gods. The king of Gandharvas, handsome and adorned with divine ornaments, moved about in a celestial vehicle. He arrived accompanied by groups of Gandharvas and Apsaras at Indra’s command. Other gods also came from heaven, each separately, beautifully attired. Gandharvas, Yakshas, serpents, and Kinnaras arrived, ascending celestial vehicles. Amidst the gods, the lord of Shachi shone forth, his form distinguished above all kings. Empowered by command and sovereignty, he joyfully conducted the svayamvara. She, the mother of all worlds, of gods and demons, was the very cause of the universe’s birth. This goddess, the wife of Shambhu—the wise Purusha—celebrated in the Purāṇas as the supreme Prakṛti, had left Daksha’s house in anger, for the sake of duty, and arrived among the dwellers of heaven. Standing upon a celestial vehicle adorned with jewels and gold, her limbs fanned by waving chowries, she seized a garland of flowers from all seasons, fragrant and beautiful, and boldly advanced. As the goddess stood in the assembly of gods, with Indra and others present, the svayamvara commenced. Out of curiosity, Śaṃbhu manifested as a child with five tufts of hair and lay asleep in her lap, displaying his divine power. The goddess saw this child, recognized him as worthy, and joyfully took him up. Pure in resolve, having attained her desired husband, she withdrew and remained, holding that Lord in her heart. Seeing the child in the goddess’s lap, the gods deliberated, confused and bewildered, wondering, “Who is this here?” Vṛtrahā, the slayer of Vṛtra, raised his arm and summoned the thunderbolt, intending to strike, but the child’s arm rose and remained firm, unmoving. By the divine power of Śaṃbhu, the child was immobilized, and Vṛtrahā could neither hurl the thunderbolt nor move. Then Bhaga, the powerful son of Kaśyapa, raised his blazing weapon to strike, but was bewildered. The Lord likewise immobilized Bhaga’s arm, restraining his strength, radiance, and power at that moment. Viṣṇu shook his head and looked upon Śaṃkara, and as they remained thus, angered, so too were the other gods. I, greatly disturbed, took up meditation with reverence and perceived the Lord of gods, seated in the lap of Umā. Recognizing the Supreme Lord, I quickly rose with respect, bowed to Śaṃbhu’s feet, and praised him with ancient hymns from the Sāma Veda, bearing auspicious and secret names. I declared: “You are unborn, ageless, O god, creator, all-pervading, transcending both the manifest and unmanifest. You are the primordial person, the imperishable Brahman to be contemplated; immortal, supreme soul, Lord, and the great cause. Creator of Brahma, originator of nature, maker of all, transcending nature; and this goddess Nature is ever the cause of creation for you. Assuming the form of a consort, she has come as the cause of the world; salutations to you, O Mahādeva, together with the goddess.” I continued, “By your grace, O Lord of gods, and by your command, I have created these beings, gods and others; yet they are deluded by your yoga-māyā. Grant your favor to them, so that they may become as before.” Thus, I informed the Supreme Lord. I addressed all the gods, who were immobilized and bewildered, unable to recognize Śaṃkara, saying, “Go swiftly for refuge to this very Maheśvara, together with me, to the Lord of gods, the supreme, imperishable soul.” Then all those immobilized dwellers of heaven bowed mentally to Śarva, their hearts purified in devotion. Pleased with their reverence, Maheśvara, the god of gods, quickly restored the bodies of the deities as before. As the restraint of all the gods was released, the Lord of gods manifested a wondrous, three-eyed form. Overwhelmed by his radiance, the gods closed their eyes, but he bestowed upon them the supreme vision, granting them the power to perceive his own form. He granted them sight of the Supreme Lord, and thus they beheld the all-pervading one, the Supreme Lord, bearing the third eye.