Angered and determined, Death himself journeyed to the house of Śveta. There, he found his own messengers standing outside, visibly shaken and afraid. Perplexed by their fear, Death demanded, “What is this, messengers?” The messengers replied with awe, “Śveta is under the protection of Śiva. We cannot even look upon him. For those whom the Lord of the Mountain favors, what fear can there possibly be?” Unmoved, Death gripped his noose and entered the place where Śveta, the devoted brāhmaṇa, was engaged in worship. Yet Śveta, deep in his devotion to Śiva, remained completely unaware of Death’s presence or that of Yama’s servants. As Death approached, a staff-bearing ascetic nearby noticed him and, astonished, spoke out: “O Death, why do you gaze here at this staff-bearing devotee?” Death replied, “I have come to take Śveta; that is why I look upon this best of the twice-born.” The staff-bearer, unwavering, commanded Death, “You must leave.” But Death, intent on his purpose, cast his noose at Śveta. This act enraged the staff-bearer, who, wielding the staff bestowed by Śiva himself, struck Death down. Death, the mighty noose-holder, collapsed to the ground. Witnessing Death’s defeat, the terrified messengers rushed to Yama, reporting all that had transpired: how Death had been slain by the staff-bearer. Upon hearing this, Dharma—Yama, the buffalo-rider—was seized with fury. He summoned Citragupta, his formidable attendants, the rod of Yama, and his guards. He called forth his buffalo mount, spirits, goblins, and the very forces of disease: eye troubles, abdominal ailments, ear pain, and fevers of all kinds, along with sins and the various hells. To them all, Yama commanded, “Hasten!” With his hosts assembled, Yama set out swiftly. Surrounded by these dreadful forces, Yama advanced to the place where Śveta, the noble brāhmaṇa, resided. Sensing Yama’s approach, Nandi, Śiva’s loyal and armed attendant, spoke up. Alongside him stood Vināyaka, Skanda, Bhūtanātha, and the staff-bearer. A terrible battle erupted, one that sent fear throughout all the worlds. Kārttikeya himself, with his mighty spear, struck down Yama’s attendants. He even slew Yama, the powerful lord of the southern quarter. The surviving followers of Yama fled and reported these astonishing events to Āditya, the Sun. Āditya, together with the other gods, was astounded by this wondrous defeat of Death. Accompanied by the guardians of the worlds, the gods came to me—Viṣṇu—as well as to Indra, Agni, Varuṇa, the Moon, the Aśvins, the Maruts, and many others. Together, we all went to where Yama lay. The mighty lord of the south, Yama, lay dead on the banks of the Ganges, and with him, the oceans, rivers, serpents, and countless beings were thrown into turmoil. The lords of the gods gathered to behold Vaivasvata Yama. Seeing Yama and his army slain, the gods were gripped by fear. With hands joined in reverence, they turned again and again to Śambhu—Śiva—addressing him with praise: “O ever-devoted to your worshippers, destroyer of the wicked, primal creator, blue-throated one, beloved of Brahmā, beloved of the gods, homage to you!” They continued, “To take your devotee Śveta, the twice-born, Yama and all others were powerless. Witnessing your supreme satisfaction and your truth in loving your devotees, O Lord, we see that those who seek refuge in you are beyond even the reach of Death itself. Knowing this, all worship you alone with supreme devotion. You alone are Lord of all worlds—who else but you, O Śankara, is capable of establishing order?” As the gods praised him thus, Śiva appeared before them, radiant and gracious, and asked, “What shall I grant you?” The gods replied, “This Vaivasvata Dharma, Yama, is the ruler of all embodied beings. He has been established as the guardian of the world, to uphold righteousness and restrain unrighteousness. He is not subject to death, nor is he a wrongdoer or sinner. Without him, not even the creator could maintain the world.” They pleaded, “O Lord of gods, revive Yama along with his retinue and vehicle. Do not let the request of the great ones go unfulfilled.” Śiva, the Blessed Lord, replied, “I shall certainly revive Yama, if the gods today approve my words.” The gods, together with Hari, Brahmā, and the others who hold sway over the universe, replied, “We accept your statement, O Lord.” Then Śiva addressed the assembled immortals: “My devotee shall not go to Death.” The immortals responded, “O Lord, if this were so, then all gods and all beings, moving and unmoving, would become immortal; the distinction between mortal and immortal would vanish, O essence of the universe.” Śambhu spoke again: “Hear my words—all my devotees, those devoted to Viṣṇu, and those who serve the Gautami river—we are always the masters; Death has no authority over the master. Yama should never report anything about them. Never should afflictions from diseases or the like overpower those who have sought refuge in Śiva; they are liberated even at that very moment.” The hosts of gods replied, “Therefore, all those associated with Yama are to be honored.” Then the Blessed Lord, the master, instructed Nandi, his loyal attendant: “With water from the Gautami, you must anoint the dead Yama.” Nandi did as commanded, anointing Yama and all his followers with the sacred water. At once, they arose, restored to life, and returned to the southern direction. Meanwhile, on the northern bank of the Gautami, Viṣṇu and all the gods remained, worshipping the great god, Maheshvara, in gratitude and awe.