At a time of great upheaval, the stars and planets began to move in reverse, defying their ordained paths. The sacred sacrifices, too, no longer occurred in their proper seasons, and as a result, their power, strength, and brilliance faded away. Disturbed and seeking a solution, all the celestial bodies and beings gathered together and journeyed to the world of Brahmā. There, they fell at Brahmā’s feet and recounted the troubling events related to Śiva. They described how Śiva had appeared, holding an owl in his hand, his eyes intense and reddish-brown, and how his demeanor was especially directed toward daughters-in-law, daughters, and granddaughters. Mistaking him for someone mad, they had shown him disrespect. Now, realizing the gravity of their actions and wishing to appease his anger, they had come to Brahmā for refuge. Hearing their words, Brahmā, through the power of meditation, understood the truth. He revealed to them that this god was none other than the great Maheśvara, the supreme Lord who is to be known as the Lord of the gods, sages, and ancestors. Brahmā explained that this blessed Lord, as Time itself, withdraws all things at the end. He is marked by the distinctive curl of hair, the Śrīvatsa mark, and the sacred thread upon his chest. In the Dvāpara age, he is Kālagni; in the Kali age, he is known as Dharmaketu. Brahmā further described how darkness is Agni, passion is Brahmā, and goodness is Viṣṇu—the illuminator. In these forms, they reside, united with Brahman. Having heard this, the assembled sages and celestial beings, having conquered anger and their senses, worshipped the Lord. They fashioned an image and sought refuge in the wielder of the trident, Śiva, before whom all ignorance and unrighteousness are destroyed. Thereafter, they dwelled free from sorrow in the Devadāru forest, worshipping him upon various altars, on mountains, and within caves. In response to their devotion, the great god assumed that very form and entered the forest hermitage, a place filled with the lovely sounds of birds. When Maheśvara entered, all the sages, fully concentrated and together with their wives, sons, and attendants, praised him with great fortune and humility. They confessed, “Out of ignorance, whatever we have done against the god of gods, the various deeds—secret and profound—we do not know how to welcome you, nor your path, nor anything at all. Yet, the great-souled ones praise you, O Maheshvara, god of gods. Salutations to the lord of beings, of infinite strength and power! Salutations to Ganga, the sacred stream and support, embodiment of all qualities. Salutations to you, O Kāma, to the supreme self, to the one who holds the staff, to Time, and to the one with the noose in hand. Whatever is past, present, or future, whatever is stationary or moving—all is within you. “May you be auspicious; protect us, O Lord, and may you grant us your grace. All this is accomplished by your power of yoga and illusion. We, engaged in austerity, beseech you—may we behold you as before. Salutations to you, ever clad in the directions, adorned with a garland of bells. Salutations to you, who are formless, beautiful, and whose form is the entire universe.” Thus, with hearts full of reverence and surrender, they worshipped the supreme Lord, seeking his protection and grace.