Again and again, the hosts of gods approached the eminent sage, the best of Brahmins, who, with palms joined in reverence, first bowed to Shambhu (Śiva) and the other deities. Then, Pippalāda, after bowing to Uma and the Pippalas, spoke with deep longing. He expressed his heartfelt desire: “I wish always to see my parents, to hear their voices. Blessed indeed are those beings in this world who remain under the care and authority of their mother and father. Devoted service at their feet, ever awaiting their command, is the highest duty. One should dedicate all—senses, body, family, strength, intellect, and beauty—to them. Fulfilling one’s obligations to both parents brings true fulfillment; for animals and birds, seeing their mothers is easy. But for me, it is difficult. Tell me, is this the result of my own sin? If it is so hard for me, would it not be so for all?” He continued in sorrow: “Such attainment is not easy; there is none more sinful than I. If only I could gain even a glimpse of them, O best of gods, the fruit of all my actions—by mind, speech, and body—would be realized. Those who do not see their parents after birth in this world—who can count the great sins of such people?” Hearing these words, the gods consulted among themselves. Then, in a splendid celestial chariot, his auspicious parents—the noble couple—appeared, longing to see their son. The gods assured Pippalāda: “You will surely see them today. Cast off sorrow, greed, and delusion, and bring your mind to peace.” “Look, look!” exclaimed the best of gods to Dadhīca, as the noble pair, adorned with gold, ascended the celestial chariot. Pippalāda’s auspicious parents, longing for their son, were fanned by divine women and praised by the Kinnaras. Seeing his mother and father, Pippalāda bowed in the presence of Śiva, tears of joy filling his eyes as he managed to speak: “Other sons uphold the family and 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 I am of such poor understanding.” Overcome with sorrow and unable to speak, the gods addressed Pippalāda’s parents: “Blessed are you, child, in all the worlds, whose fame has reached the heavens. Śiva 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 Pippalāda’s head, and the gods proclaimed victory as the great sage appeared. Dadhīci, together with his wife, gave his blessing to his son, bowed to Śambhu, Gaṅgā, and the gods, and then spoke: “Having obtained a wife, be devoted to Śiva and serve Gaṅgā. Beget sons according to proper rites, perform sacrifices with due gifts. Having fulfilled your duties, my child, ascend to heaven for a long time.” “I will do so,” replied Pippalāda to Dadhīci. Dadhīci, reassuring his son and wife again and again, then, permitted by the hosts of gods, ascended once more to heaven. The gods, with reverence, addressed Pippalāda: “Pacify the sorcery, may good fortune be yours; that great fire which has arisen.” Pippalāda responded, “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, Pippalāda said, “Let both be brought according to your wish; 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 alike, let all be known as entering my mouth; nothing will remain unsaid.” After deliberation, the gods addressed both: “Let both consume everything in due order.” Likewise, the submarine fire spoke to the gods, saying, “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, the immortals called Vahni, and knew it 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. But Fire said to the immortals, “How shall I go there, to the waters? If you bring me there, into the great water—” The gods asked, “How will you, O Fire, reach there?” Fire replied, “Let the virtuous maiden carry me. Placing me in a golden vessel, let her carry me wherever my path may be.” Hearing this, the gods spoke to Sarasvatī, the maiden: “Lead this fire swiftly, with your head, to Varuṇa’s abode.” Sarasvatī replied, “Alone I am not able to bear it; joined with four, I could swiftly carry it to Varuṇa’s abode.” Hearing Sarasvatī’s words, the gods spoke separately to Gaṅgā, Yamunā, Narmadā, and Tapatī. Accompanied by them, Sarasvatī carried the fire, placing it in a golden vessel and bearing it upon her head; together they went to Varuṇa’s abode. There, they placed it where the lord of the gods, Somanātha, lord of the world, dwells with the gods in Prabhāsa, adorned with the moon. The five rivers, led by Sarasvatī, brought forth fire, and the great Agni resides there, slowly drinking the water. Then all the hosts of gods addressed Śiva, the best among the gods.