As Nārada approached the sacred realm of Kailāsa, he beheld a wondrous sight: the place was attended by countless beings, numbering in hundreds of crores and lakhs, along with three crores and lakhs of Shiva’s own attendants, all gathered in reverence. The entire area was continually encircled by divine trees, with the splendid Mandāra trees standing out, fully blossomed and radiant. Witnessing such magnificence, Nārada’s heart brimmed with awe, for he pondered: what marvel could possibly be absent from the abode of the guru of all divine yogis? From a distance, Nārada saw Shiva seated at the very center of the assembly, tranquil and gracious, bestowing auspiciousness and captivating all who gazed upon him. The Lord’s matted locks shone like molten gold, and he was clad only in the directions, embodying purity, infinity, and imperishability. His throat was deep blue, adorned with the king of serpents, and he was worshipped by the foremost yogis, accomplished siddhas, and venerable sages. Shiva’s face glowed with a delightful smile, most excellent, serving as the refuge of the universe and the bestower of auspiciousness and boons. Drawing near, Nārada bowed his head to the wielder of the trident, his body thrilled and covered with goosebumps. Shiva, seeing this foremost sage—the son of Brahma, learned in the Vedas—smiled warmly. With reverence, Shiva embraced Nārada, blessed him, offered him a seat, and bestowed other honors upon him. Upon a beautiful throne studded with precious gems, Shiva sat together with his excellent attendants. Nārada then sang a hymn composed by the king of Gandharvas, pleasing and auspicious, and after offering his praises, he presented his heartfelt wish to Shiva, fulfilling his own heart’s desire. Thus concluded the twenty-fifth chapter, entitled “Nārada’s Journey to Kailāsa,” in the dialogue between Sauti and Śaunaka, within the Brahma-Khaṇḍa of the glorious Brahmavaivarta Mahāpurāṇa. Continuing, Sauti spoke: 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 received all he sought, Nārada, the foremost sage, was fulfilled in every desire. Nārada then declared, “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, one should abandon the dwelling of night and contemplate the guru right there. 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, whatever meditation and form, one should contemplate that. First, meditate on the guru, bow down, and worship according to prescribed rites. The deity shown by the guru, the method of mantra worship, and recitation should be followed. 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, the guru alone is capable of protection. For one whose guru is pleased, there is victory at every step, always. He who, out of delusion, worships the deity without honoring the guru is foolish. In the Sāma Veda, Bhagavān Hari himself spoke thus. Having meditated upon and praised the desired guru, the practitioner, O sage, should avoid certain places: water, the vicinity of water, ponds, and the presence of living beings; places where the plough is drawn, fields of crops, and cowsheds; the inner area of villages and places near people’s homes; playgrounds, dense forests, and the ground beneath a cot; places where dūrvā grass, kuśa grass, or anthills are found. All these should be avoided, and one should choose a place free from sunlight. When attending to bodily needs, one should discharge urine and feces during the day, facing north, remaining silent and exhaling so that no odor spreads.” Thus, the teachings and guidance of Shiva were imparted to Nārada, who received them with devotion and gratitude, completing his journey to Kailāsa and fulfilling his quest for wisdom.