As the assembly of gods stood together, Pippalada, the wise son of Dadhichi, humbly declared, “May the deities accept whatever extra offerings are given to them. With a pure heart, I shall forgive any offense against the gods.” In response, the gods, led by Indra, the thousand-eyed one, spoke aloud in their divine tongue, honoring the speech of Dadhichi’s son. Recognizing the child’s extraordinary intelligence, humility, knowledge, valor, strength, courage, truthfulness, devotion to his parents, and purity of heart, Shankara—Lord Shiva—addressed Pippalada with affection. “Dear one,” he said, “whatever cherished desire you hold, and whatever is dear to the gods, you shall obtain. Speak your wish for good fortune; do not let your mind waver.” Shiva then proclaimed, “Those who, steadfast in dharma, bathe in the holy Ganga and behold your lotus feet, O Mahesha, may they obtain all desires by force, and at the end of their bodies, reach your Shaiva abode.” Pippalada replied, “Father has attained your feet, and my mother Ambika, O Lord, has also reached you. Pippala and Amara have found happiness. May they, beholding you, O Lord of lords, reach your abode.” Shiva joyfully agreed, saying, “So be it,” and together with the gods, addressed Pippalada with delight. The gods, now freed from fear and filled with joy, 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 previously requested was for the sake of others, not for yourself, O twice-born. Therefore, speak of something else; we shall grant it to you.” Again and again, the hosts of gods addressed the best of Brahmins, who, with joined palms, first bowed to Shambhu and the gods. Then Pippalada, bowing to Uma and the Pippalas, spoke his wish: “I wish always to see my parents, to have them within the range of my hearing. Blessed are those beings in the world who remain under the authority of their mother and father. Always devoted to service, awaiting the command at their feet—one should dedicate the senses, the body, the family, strength, intellect, and beauty. Having accomplished their duties toward both, one becomes 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, then 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 actions by mind, speech, and body will 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—Pippalada’s parents—appeared. The gods assured him, “Longing to see you, you will surely see them today. Cast off sorrow, greed, and delusion, and bring your mind to tranquility.” “Look, look!” said the best of the gods to Dadhichi, as his parents, adorned with gold, ascended the splendid celestial chariot. The noble couple, longing to see their son, were fanned by divine women and praised by Kinnaras. Upon seeing his mother and father, Pippalada bowed in Shiva’s presence, his eyes filled 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, he could not speak further, and the gods 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.” A shower of flowers fell from heaven upon Pippalada’s head, and the gods proclaimed victory as the great sage appeared. Dadhichi, together with his wife, blessed his son and bowed to Shambhu, Ganga, and the gods, 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,” said Pippalada to Dadhichi. Dadhichi, reassuring his son and wife again and again, was permitted by the hosts of gods to ascend to heaven once more. All the gods, with reverence, addressed Pippalada: “Pacify the sorcery, may good fortune be yours; that great fire which has arisen.” Pippalada replied, “I am not able to restrain it; I do not speak untruth. You yourselves should address that sorcery. Seeing me, that exceedingly fierce one will act contrary.” So the gods went to her and spoke words for appeasement. Regarding the fire, Pippalada explained, “As you wish, let both be brought; I am created only for the consumption of all, O twice-born ones. Thus, fire is born from me; otherwise, how could it be so? The five great elements, both immobile and mobile beings likewise. Let all be known as entering my mouth; nothing will remain unsaid.” After deliberating, the gods addressed both: “Let both consume everything in due order.” The submarine fire then spoke to the gods, “By your wish, O best of gods, everything is food for me.” That submarine fire became a river, joining with the Ganges. That great and exceedingly terrifying fire, known to the immortals as Vahni, was recognized as the original fire of beings. The waters are to be known as the eldest, and likewise, you are the first. There, make the ocean, lord of the waters, the eldest, your food. Just as we say, go and enjoy as you wish. Thus, in the presence of the gods and Shiva, Pippalada’s devotion, wisdom, and humility were honored; his longing for his parents fulfilled; and the cosmic forces of fire and water reconciled in accordance with divine will.