In the tranquil hermitage, Gautama the sage declared to the assembled sages that this sacred place alone was holy for all, and there was no need to seek another hermitage. His conviction was firm: here, all sanctity resided. Upon hearing these words and recalling the previous obstruction, the leader of the hosts approached the Brahmins with joined palms and spoke respectfully. He questioned why they were being restrained, explaining that they had already obtained food and, despite gentle efforts, could not return to their own homes. He urged that the excellent twice-born Gautama deserved no punishment, for he had always been helpful. Resolving with discernment, he asked all to consent to this course. The foremost Brahmins responded in unison, agreeing to proceed for the benefit of Gautama and the welfare of the worlds. They advised that whatever action was taken should bring the highest good to all Brahmins. Hearing their words, the leader of the hosts thoughtfully considered their advice, emphasizing that all should be done in accordance with Gautama’s qualities and nature. Having sought the approval of all the Brahmins, the noble-minded leader himself assumed the guise of a Brahmin, respectfully bowing to them. Following his mother’s counsel, the wise lord of the hosts addressed Jayā. He instructed her to act discreetly, so that none would know, to take the form of a cow and go to Gautama’s residence. She was to eat the rice, destroy it, and cause a change. When struck, shouted at, or seen, she was to fall, uttering a pitiable sound—neither dying nor remaining alive. Jayā, obedient to the lord’s command, transformed herself into a cow and went to where Gautama dwelled. She began eating the rice, and Gautama, seeing the deformed cow, tried to restrain her with grass. As he did so, the cow made a sorrowful sound and collapsed. A great cry arose at her fall. Hearing the commotion and witnessing Gautama’s actions, the Brahmins, distressed, spoke among themselves, led by the king of obstacles. They decided to depart from the hermitage, declaring that they could no longer remain there. They had all been nurtured like sons and had questioned the eminent sage. Hearing their words, Gautama felt as if struck by thunder and fell before the Brahmins. The Brahmins said to him, “Let us see this fallen one upon the earth—the mother of the Rudras, the goddess, beloved purifier of the worlds.” They acknowledged that the cow, embodying holy places and gods, had fallen by the force of fate, and now they must proceed accordingly. Just as a vow comes to its end, so too did their stay in Gautama’s hermitage. They possessed no other wealth but the wealth of austerity. Standing humbly before them, Gautama spoke, “You alone are my refuge; you ought to purify me.” Then the blessed Lord of Obstacles, surrounded by Brahmins, addressed them. He explained that the cow neither died nor lived there, and in such uncertainty, it was unclear what expiation or path forward could be taken. He asked the Brahmins how the cow might rise again and what expiation could resolve this matter. He pledged to do whatever they declared. By agreement, the wise one would pronounce what was to be done, and whatever he said would be their authority. Urged by the Brahmins and Gautama, the Remover of Obstacles, assuming the form of Brahma, spoke to all. He promised to speak the truth with everyone’s consent and sought the approval of the sages and Gautama. He revealed that in the matted locks of great Śiva abides the water from Brahma’s water-pot, the source of the unmanifest-born. He instructed them to bring that water swiftly, with austerity and discipline, and to bathe the cow who had taken refuge on earth. Then, all would remain as before in Gautama’s dwelling. When the lord of Brahmins spoke thus in the assembly, a shower of flowers descended, and cries of victory echoed. Gautama, with joined palms and bowed head, prayed that by the fire of austerity, the favor of the gods and Brahma, and by their grace, his intention would be fulfilled. “So be it,” said the Brahmins, taking leave of the foremost sage. They returned to their homes, prosperous with food and water. After the Brahmins had departed, the Lord of Hosts, together with his brother and Victory, pleased and his task accomplished, withdrew. When the assembly and the Lord of Hosts had left, Gautama, purified of sin by austerity, also withdrew. Meditating on the purpose, Gautama reflected deeply, wondering about his situation. Through knowledge, he understood that all had transpired for the sake of the gods, the removal of his own sin, the welfare of the worlds, and the pleasing of Śambhu. He also saw that it was for the pleasing of Umā and the bringing of Gaṅgā, considering all this to be most auspicious, and affirming that there was no sin in him. Thus meditating, Gautama became very pleased and worshipped the Lord of the worlds, the three-eyed one, the bull-bannered. He resolved, “I shall bring the best of rivers; may Girijā, my co-wife, the Mother of the world who dwells in Maheśvara’s matted locks, be pleased with me.” With this determination, the eminent sage Gautama journeyed to Kailāsa, the abode of the mighty-bowed one, worshipped by the gods, accompanied by his beloved and the hosts of Brahmā.