O sinless one, what value is there in austerity for a person in whom Hari, the Supreme Lord, is not found—neither within nor without? True austerity, the highest of all, is wherever service to Kṛṣṇa is performed. Therefore, O best of sages, you should become a householder, for householders are always blessed with happiness. Even those who seek liberation long to see or touch such a fortunate householder. Indeed, O sage, the greatest happiness lies in seeing and embracing one’s own son. A wife is cherished for the sake of a son, and a son is dearer than even a hundred wives. In all endeavors, one should strive for victory, but with one’s own son, it is a joy to accept defeat. Thus, the highest treasure should be placed in one’s beloved son. These were the words of Nārada, the wisest among the wise, spoken to his father. But Nārada, reflecting deeply, asked, “How can a compassionate father ever set his son upon a misguided path? All worldly existence is as fleeting as a bubble upon water. When one abandons service to Hari, the mind wanders restlessly among worldly concerns. In this vast ocean of existence, who is truly dear to whom? Who is a son, who a relative? Only that one who leads another to perform good deeds is a true friend, a father, or a teacher.” Having thus explained the essential seed of the Veda according to tradition, Nārada addressed his father again, “O Lord, I will first go to the hermitage of Nara and Nārāyaṇa.” With these words, the sage fell silent before his father, standing for a moment in reverence. Then, Śrī Nārada continued, “The knowledge pertaining to this, and the description of its qualities—after that, for your satisfaction, I will undertake the search for a wife.” Hearing these words, Brahmā, the lotus-born creator, was filled with delight. Brahmā replied, “For those who dwell alone in hermitages, no mantra brings happiness. From the moment of conception, one obtains a mantra, a teacher, a husband, and a wife. Maheśvara, the great Lord Śiva, is your teacher, just as he was ours in ancient times. Thus, you too have received the mantra and knowledge from the ancient one.” Having spoken thus, the creator of the worlds became silent, O Śaunaka. Now, Sauti continued the tale: Above the realm of Dhruva lies a vast and wondrous region, a hundred thousand yojanas wide, fashioned from the most precious jewels. Though unsupported, it is sustained by the power of Yoga, by Śambhu himself. This realm, marvelous and adorned with countless abodes, is untouched by the rays of the sun or moon and is encircled only by fire. Within this splendid city, stretching a hundred thousand yojanas, stood three crores of palaces, each encrusted with jewels and belonging to Indra. The city was filled with rubies, pearls, gems, and mirrors—treasures never even dreamed of—crafted by Viśvakarma, the divine architect. It was attended by multitudes: hundreds of crores and lakhs of accomplished beings, and three crores and lakhs of Śiva’s personal attendants. Encircling it at all times were divine trees, especially the splendid and fully blossomed Mandāra trees. Beholding all this, the sage was filled with wonder. What marvel, he thought, could possibly be lacking at the abode of the guru of the divine yogis? From afar, he saw Śiva seated at the center of the assembly, tranquil, bestowing auspiciousness, and utterly captivating. The Lord’s matted locks shone like molten gold, his form pure, infinite, and imperishable, clad in the directions alone. His throat was a deep blue, adorned with the king of serpents, and he was worshipped by the foremost yogis, siddhas, and sages. His face glowed with a delightful smile, radiating excellence, the refuge of the universe, the bestower of blessings and auspiciousness. Drawing near, the sage bowed his head to the wielder of the trident, his body thrilled and covered with goosebumps. Seeing the foremost among sages—smiling, the son of Brahmā, and best among those versed in the Vedas—Śiva welcomed him with reverence, offering an embrace, blessings, a seat, and every honor befitting a sage of his stature.