Brahmā spoke, revealing a profound truth: for those who dwell in solitary hermitages, no mantra alone can bring happiness. He explained that from the very moment of conception, every soul receives a mantra, a teacher, a husband, and a wife. Maheśvara, he said, 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 imparted these words, the creator of the worlds fell silent, O Śaunaka. Sauti continued the tale, describing a wondrous realm above Dhruva—a vast region, a hundred thousand yojanas wide, fashioned from the most precious jewels. Unsupported by anything material, this realm is sustained by the power of Yoga, by Śambhu himself. It is marvelous, adorned with countless abodes, and unlike our world, it is untouched by the rays of the sun and moon, surrounded only by fire. The splendid city, spanning the same vast distance, was decorated with three crores of palaces, each encrusted with jewels and belonging to Indra. Within, rubies, pearls, gems, and mirrors filled the city—treasures so magnificent they were never seen even in dreams. All were crafted by the divine architect Viśvakarma. The city was attended by accomplished beings numbering in hundreds of crores and lakhs, as well as three crores and lakhs of Shiva’s own attendants. Encircling it were divine trees, most notably the fully blossomed Mandāra trees, their beauty ever-present. Upon seeing this marvel, the sage’s mind was filled with wonder, for what marvel could be absent at the abode of the guru of the divine yogis? From afar, he beheld Shiva seated at the center of the assembly, serene, bestowing auspiciousness, and captivating. The Lord’s matted locks shone like molten gold; he was clad 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. Shiva’s face radiated a delightful smile; he was the refuge of the universe and the bestower of auspiciousness and boons. The sage approached, bowing his head to the wielder of the trident, his body thrilled and covered with goosebumps. Smiling, Shiva welcomed the foremost among sages—the son of Brahma, the best among those versed in the Vedas. With reverence, Shiva gave the sage an embrace, blessings, a seat, and other honors. Upon a beautiful throne studded with precious gems, Shiva sat with his excellent attendants. Nārada, accompanied by a hymn composed by the king of Gandharvas—pleasing and auspicious—presented his wish to Shiva, thus fulfilling his 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 then spoke: The divine sage requested Hara for meditation and knowledge. He asked Shiva for the hymn, the protective armor, the mantra, meditation, and the method of worship. Having attained all these, the foremost sage was fulfilled in all his desires. Nārada declared: By the constant practice of one’s own duty, one achieves perpetual benefit. Śrī Maheśvara instructed: In the subtle, pure, spotless thousand-petaled lotus, free from fatigue, abandoning the dwelling of night, one should contemplate the guru. With a serene face, peaceful, ever content, and always satisfied, meditate thus and worship the guru in the pure, white lotus of the heart. For whichever deity one desires, whatever meditation and form, one should contemplate that. But first, meditate on the guru, bow down, and worship according to the prescribed rites. The deity shown by the guru, the method of mantra worship, and recitation—all proceed from the guru. The guru is Brahmā, the guru is Viṣṇu, the guru is the divine Maheśvara. The guru is Vāyu and Varuṇa; the guru is mother, father, and friend. When the desired deity is angry, it is the guru alone who is capable of protection. For one whose guru is pleased, there is victory at every step, always. But he who, out of delusion, worships the deity without honoring the guru, is foolish. Thus, the teachings of the sages and gods were passed down, revealing the essential role of the guru and the path to fulfillment in the divine journey.