In that sacred assembly, it was declared that Lopamudra and Arundhati, two great and virtuous women, stood as equals in their own right. By the merit of their very bones, the gods themselves were ever victorious and filled with joy. Through these deeds, the fame of your mother, O sage, has become abundant and imperishable; and it is by you, her son, that her glory is celebrated everywhere. Nothing greater than this has been achieved. Because your might inspires awe, you are called upon to protect even those such as the Kandishikas, who were expelled from heaven; you should save the gods from the fear that arises on your account. There is no higher good than rescuing those who are afflicted. As long as your fame shines resplendently among men, so many are the days that, in the world beyond, become years of your unchanging residence there. Truly, those who lack fame in this world are as good as dead, and those deprived of learning are truly blind. But those who are generous are never powerless, and those who are devoted to righteousness are never to be pitied. Hearing these words from the Lord of the gods, the sage Pippalada became peaceful. Folding his palms in reverence, he bowed to the Master and spoke humbly: “Those who, by word, thought, or deed, have sometimes helped me and are devoted to my welfare—for their benefit, and for others as well—I bow to Soma, honored by the lords of the gods. May Shiva, adorned with the crescent moon, grant the wishes of those who have protected and nurtured me, who share my lineage and my dharma. I bow to him always. O Lord, by your name, may a sacred place arise in the three worlds for those who have raised me as a mother and father would. Their fame will endure, and thus I shall be freed from debt to them. Whatever fields of the gods and sacred places exist on earth—may the deities accept whatever extra is given to them; then, being pure, I shall forgive any offense against the gods.” Then, in the presence of all, the gods led by Indra, the thousand-eyed one, spoke in divine language, honoring the words of Dadhichi’s son. Recognizing the child’s intelligence, humility, knowledge, valor, strength, courage, truthfulness, devotion to his parents, and purity of heart, Shankara, the great Lord, addressed Pippalada: “Dear one, whatever cherished desire you hold in your heart, and whatever is dear to the gods, you shall obtain. Speak your wish for good fortune; do not let your mind waver. Those who, steadfast in dharma, bathe in the Ganga and behold your lotus feet, O Mahesha, may they obtain all their desires, and at the end of their lives, reach your Shaiva abode. Your father has attained your feet, and my mother Ambika has also reached you. Pippala and Amara have found happiness. May they, beholding you, O Lord of lords, reach your abode.” Having thus spoken, the great Lord Maheshvara joyfully granted his blessing to Pippalada, and together with the gods, addressed him with affection. The gods, now filled with joy and freed from all fear, spoke to Dadhichi in Shiva’s presence: “Whatever the gods desired, you have surely accomplished. You have upheld the command of the Lord of gods, the ornament of the three worlds. And what you requested before was for the sake of others, not yourself, O twice-born. Therefore, speak of another wish; we shall grant it to you.” Again and again, the hosts of gods addressed Pippalada, the best of Brahmins, who first bowed with joined palms to Shambhu and the gods. Then, bowing to Uma and the Pippalas, Pippalada spoke: “I wish always to see my parents, to have them within the range of my hearing. Blessed are those beings who remain under the authority of their mother and father. Always devoted to service, awaiting their command at their feet—one should dedicate the senses, the body, the family, strength, intellect, and beauty. Having fulfilled one’s duties toward both, one becomes truly fulfilled; for animals and birds, seeing their mothers is easy. But for me, that is difficult—tell me, is this the result of sin? If it is so difficult for me, would it not be so for everyone? It cannot be easily attained; there is no one more sinful than I. If I were to gain even a mere sight of them, O best of gods, the fruit of all actions by mind, speech, and body would be obtained. Those who do not see their parents after birth in this world—who can count the great sins of such people?” Hearing these heartfelt words, the gods consulted among themselves. Then, mounting a splendid celestial chariot, the auspicious couple—his parents—were brought forth. “Longing to see you, you will surely see them today,” the gods assured Pippalada. “Cast off sorrow, greed, and delusion, and bring your mind to tranquility.” “Look, look!” exclaimed the best of the gods to Dadhichi, as the noble couple, adorned with gold, ascended the radiant chariot. Fanned by divine women and praised by the Kinnaras, the auspicious parents, longing to see their son, approached. Seeing his mother and father, Pippalada bowed before Shiva, his eyes brimming with tears of joy, and somehow managed to speak: “Other sons, upholding the family, deliver their parents; but I, in my mother’s womb, was only a cause of pain. Even so, through delusion, I now see them, though of such poor understanding.” Overcome with sorrow and emotion, he could not continue. The gods then addressed Pippalada’s mother and father: “Blessed are you, child, in all the worlds, whose fame has reached the heavens. Shiva has been directly realized by you, and the gods have been comforted by you. Through such a son, a lineage is never diminished.” At that moment, a shower of flowers fell from heaven upon Pippalada’s head, and the gods proclaimed his victory as the great sage stood revealed. Having blessed his son, Dadhichi, together with his wife, bowed to Shambhu, to Ganga, and to the gods, and then spoke to Pippalada: “Having obtained a wife, be devoted to Shiva, and serve Ganga. Beget sons according to the proper rites, perform sacrifices with due gifts; then, having fulfilled your duties, my child, ascend to heaven for a long time.” “I will do so,” replied Pippalada to his father. Dadhichi, reassuring his son and wife again and again, then, with the permission of the gods, ascended once more to heaven. And all the gods, with reverence and affection, addressed Pippalada.