As the mind turns away from the service of Hari, it becomes entangled in the affairs of the world. In this vast ocean of worldly existence, who can truly say who is dear to whom? Who is a son, who is a relative? The bonds of affection are ever-shifting and uncertain. Yet, it is he who inspires another to perform virtuous deeds who is the true friend, father, and teacher. Thus, dear one, the seed of the Veda has been explained according to tradition. Now, O Lord, I shall journey to the hermitage of Nara and Nārāyaṇa. With these words, the sage fell silent before his father. For a moment, he stood in reverence before him. The eminent sage Nārada then spoke: “The knowledge related to this, and the description of its qualities—afterwards, for your satisfaction, I will seek a wife.” Hearing Nārada’s words, the lotus-born Brahmā was delighted. He replied, “For those who dwell in solitary hermitages, no mantra brings happiness. From the moment of conception, one obtains a mantra, a teacher, a husband, and a wife. Maheśvara 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. Sauti continued the tale: Above Dhruva lies a magnificent region, a hundred thousand yojanas wide, fashioned from the most precious jewels. Unsupported, it is sustained by the power of Yoga by Śambhu, wondrous and furnished with many abodes. There, neither sun nor moon casts its rays; it is surrounded only by fire. The splendid city stretches a hundred thousand yojanas and is adorned with three crores of jewel-encrusted palaces belonging to Indra. Rubies, pearls, gems, and mirrors fill the city—treasures never seen even in dreams, all crafted by Viśvakarma. Hundreds of crores and lakhs of accomplished beings attend this realm, along with three crores and lakhs of Shiva’s own attendants. Divine trees, especially the splendid and fully blossomed Mandāra trees, encircle it continually. Seeing this, the sage was filled with wonder, thinking, “What marvel is there that is not found at the guru of the divine yogis?” From afar, he beheld Shiva seated at the center of the assembly circle—peaceful, bestowing auspiciousness, and captivating. The Lord’s matted locks shone like molten gold, and he was clad only in the directions, pure, infinite, and imperishable. His throat was deep blue, adorned with the king of serpents, and he was worshipped by the foremost yogis, siddhas, and sages. His face radiated a delightful smile; he was the refuge of the universe, the bestower of auspiciousness and boons. Approaching, the sage bowed his head to the wielder of the trident, his body thrilled and covered with goosebumps. Shiva, seeing the foremost among sages—his own son, the best among those versed in the Vedas—smiled and welcomed him. With reverence, he gave Nārada an embrace, blessings, a seat, and other honors. Shiva sat on a beautiful throne studded with precious gems, surrounded by his excellent attendants. Nārada, with a hymn composed by the king of Gandharvas, pleasing and bestowing auspiciousness, presented his wish to Shiva, fulfilling his own heart’s desire. Thus concludes the twenty-fifth chapter, entitled “Nārada’s Journey to Kailāsa,” in the dialogue between Sauti and Śaunaka, in the Brahma-Khaṇḍa of the glorious Brahmavaivarta Mahāpurāṇa. Sauti continued: The divine sage Nārada requested Hara for meditation and knowledge. He asked for the hymn, the protective armor, the mantra, meditation, and the method of worship as well. Having attained all he sought, the foremost sage was fulfilled in all his desires. Nārada said, “By the constant practice of one’s own duty, one achieves perpetual benefit.” Śrī Maheśvara replied, “In the subtle, pure, spotless thousand-petaled lotus, free from fatigue—abandoning the dwelling of night, one should contemplate the guru right there.