Across the realms of existence, whether stationary or moving, all beings turned their gaze to the Lord of the gods, imploring, “O Lord, be our protector as we are being consumed.” With reverence, they addressed Maheśvara, the master of auspicious vision, who appears in countless forms—among thousands of millions, and hundreds of millions. Then, the blessed Lord spoke. He addressed the Brāhmans, saying, “Those who act as instructed, who are restrained, and who are devoted to meditation—let them never speak what is displeasing, whether here or elsewhere. Instead, let them always speak for the welfare of others. Act in this way, and may good fortune be yours. From me, you will attain perfection.” Freed from fear, greed, delusion, and anxiety, the assembled beings bowed together, their heads shining with radiance. With pure scented water, mixed with sacred grass and flowers, they offered worship. They sang secret chants and melodious hums in praise of the Lord whose body is half female, initiator of Sāṃkhya and Yoga; the one clad in black antelope skin, wearing a serpent as sacred thread; the one dressed in the skin of the lord of beasts, holding a broad axe—salutations to Śaṅkara. The foremost sages devoted themselves to the duties of their castes and disciplines. Pleased by their austerity, the Lord said, “O vow-holders, choose a boon.” Bhṛgu, Aṅgirā, Vasiṣṭha, Viśvāmitra, Marīci, Kaśyapa, and Saṃvarta, the great ascetic, gathered and requested, “O Lord, we wish to know the distinction between what is to be served and what is not to be served.” The Lord replied, “I am Agni united with Soma, and Soma is established in Agni. The entire world, both immobile and mobile, has been burned repeatedly by fire. Assuming potency through ashes, it sprinkles the beings. By the power of my ashes, one is freed from all sins. Therefore, at that very moment, all sins are said to become ashes. All the world, both immobile and mobile, is composed of the essence of Agni and Soma. I am Agni and Soma by nature, and I am the Purusha myself. I sustain my own power and form, and thus maintain existence.” He explained further, “Protection is performed with ashes in the homes of women in childbirth. Having approached near me, one does not return again. This excellent Pāśupata rite was formerly established. This creation was made by me, consisting of modesty, delusion, and fear. And all others who are born in the world without clothing are covered and protected by those very things; clothing is considered the cause. Equal honor and dishonor are the supreme covering.” He declared, “Even after performing thousands of improper acts, if one bathes with ashes, therefore, whoever is always diligent, even three times a day, having gathered and absorbed all sacrifices and obtained the supreme nectar, then, by the northern path, they attain immortality. The powers of minuteness, greatness, lightness, and attainment, sovereignty, mastery, and indeed immortality have been attained by you.” Thus, the Lord revealed the secrets of purification, the nature of existence, and the path to immortality, blessing all who listened with freedom from sin and the promise of supreme attainment.