The goddess, with gentle reverence, approached her lord, the master of gods, and addressed him: “O radiant one, I do not wish to remain here upon this mountain. Please, find another dwelling for me among the worlds.” Hearing her words, the great god replied with affection, “O goddess, whenever I have spoken to you about a dwelling, you have never chosen any other place to reside, O Devi. Now, O beautiful one, you yourself seek a new abode. Why do you desire this, O goddess? Tell me, you who bear a pure smile.” With calm dignity, the goddess explained, “Today, O lord of gods, I returned to my father’s great house. There, in solitude, my mother spoke to me about affairs of the world. After honoring me with seats and offerings, she said, ‘O Umā, your husband is always lacking in amusements, O auspicious one.’ She spoke of your ways, O Mahādeva, saying, ‘He plays, but the play of the gods is not like this. O bull-bannered one, though you delight with various hosts, this displeases me, your mother-in-law.’” Hearing this, the god smiled, wishing to bring joy to the goddess, and spoke playfully, “Indeed, it is so—why were you angry? For Krittivasa is truly unclad and dwells among the cremation grounds. I have no fixed abode; I wander through forests and mountain caves, surrounded by naked attendants, O lotus-eyed one. Do not be angry with your mother, O goddess; she spoke the truth. Among all beings, there is no relative upon earth equal to a mother.” The goddess replied with quiet resolve, “I have nothing to do with relatives, O lord of gods. Do as you wish, O great god, so that I may find happiness.” Hearing these words, the lord of gods, desiring her contentment, left his own mountain. Accompanied by his wife, the gods, siddhas, and his followers, he journeyed to the great mountain Meru. Now, O wise one, a question arises: How did the horse sacrifice of Daksha, son of Prachetas, come to ruin during the reign of Vaivasvata? The all-pervading lord, knowing that the goddess’s anger was the cause, became wrathful. How did Mahadeva, in his fury, destroy the sacrifice of mighty Daksha? Listen as I recount this in detail. Long ago, on a peak of Meru revered by the three worlds, there was a wondrous place called Jyotishthala, adorned with all manner of gems. This immeasurable, unassailable summit was honored by all beings. Upon a broad, couch-like slope of this mountain, the god sat, surrounded by all kinds of minerals, with the daughter of the mountain king always by his side. There, the mighty Adityas and powerful Vasus were present, as were the great Ashvins, best among physicians. King Vaishravana, lord of the Yakshas and master of Kailasa, arrived, surrounded by the Guhyakas. The great sage Ushanas, Sanatkumara, and other foremost sages offered their worship. Angiras and the leading divine sages were present, as were Vishvavasu the Gandharva, Narada, and Parvata. Hosts of Apsaras gathered there in great numbers, while a gentle, auspicious wind carried pure fragrances. The trees blossomed with flowers of all seasons. The Vidyadharas, Sadhyas, Siddhas, and ascetics also assembled. All these beings worshipped Mahadeva, the Lord of Creatures, and many others of various forms joined them. Fierce Rakshasas and mighty Pisachas, bold and of many shapes, stood with their varied weapons. The attendants of the god, blazing like fire, were present, and the blessed Nandishvara, with the god’s approval, remained nearby. The goddess Ganga, best of rivers and born of all sacred waters, worshipped the god in form, shining with her own radiance. Thus, the Blessed One was honored by gods and sages alike. With all the fortunate gods, Mahadeva stood there. Then, at an appointed time, Daksha, lord of creatures, appeared, intending to perform a great sacrifice according to ancient rites. All the gods, led by Indra, assembled at his sacrifice, arriving from their heavenly abodes in radiant, blazing chariots. With the god’s consent, they went to the gateway of the Ganga, a place crowded with Gandharvas and Apsaras, shaded by many trees and vines. There, surrounded by sages and perfected beings, Daksha, the foremost upholder of dharma, stood, along with those who dwell on earth, in the sky, and in the heavenly realms. All, with joined palms, approached the Lord of Creatures: the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Sadhyas, and all the hosts of Maruts. All the recipients of the sacrifice came, together with Vishnu—the Ushmapas, Dhumapas, Ajyapas, and the Somapas. The Ashvins, the Maruts, and many other groups of gods and beings arrived as well. Those born from womb, egg, sweat, and sprout; all the sacrificers; all the gods, together with women and sages, gathered there. They shone, standing in their chariots, blazing like fires. Upon seeing this assembly, the sage Dadhichi, filled with anger, spoke these words: “A man incurs great sin, without doubt, by honoring the unworthy and by failing to honor those who are worthy.