A vast and wondrous gathering had assembled—thousands upon thousands of ḍākinīs, yoginīs, and guardians of sacred places, their presence filling the space with a vibrant, mystical energy. Alongside them stood countless divine beings, their numbers stretching into the tens of millions, each adorned with celestial forms that shone with otherworldly beauty. Amidst this assembly, Sauti recounted how the lord of jewels, together with a splendid garland, was offered to Nārāyaṇa. Sāvitrī, radiant and pure, was given to Brahmā, and with deep respect, a form was bestowed upon Dharma. In this way, to every being present, whatever form had arisen for each, he gave to its rightful recipient. Then, having summoned Śaṃkara—the supreme Lord, guru of yogis—an exchange of profound significance took place. Śaṃkara, also known as Nīlalohita, listened to the words of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and smiled gently. Śrī Maheśvara spoke: “That which is devoted solely to your worship, set apart from the path of servitude, remains concealed under the guise of knowledge of reality. She stands as the doorkeeper at the gateway to yoga. Her true form is veiled by austerity; she is the very casket of great delusion. Forever the mother of discernment, she can also act as the destroyer of good understanding. O Lord, I do not desire a wife; instead, grant me the boon I truly seek. “My longing for service and devotion to you grows ever deeper, never ceasing. With my five mouths, I wish to recite your name—the very abode of all virtues and auspiciousness. For countless millions of aeons, may my mind remain absorbed in meditation upon your form. In your service, in worship, in salutations, and in singing your holy name; in remembrance, in praise, in chanting your name and qualities, in hearing and in recitation; in offering myself and in the daily meal consecrated to you—may I attain your realm, your world, your likeness, your nearness, and absorption into your being. “The powers of minuteness, lightness, attainment, freedom of will, and greatness; omniscience, hearing at a distance, entering another’s body; immortality and all the highest perfections—these eighteen are remembered as the siddhis. Fame, glory, truthful speech, righteousness, and fasting; worship of the gods, their vision, and circumambulation of the seven continents; Brahmahood, Rudrahood, Vishnuhood, and the supreme state—all these, O Lord of all, and whatever else has been spoken, I offer at your feet.” Hearing the words of Śarva, Śrī Kṛṣṇa addressed the great guru of yogins: “Serve me, O Lord of all, best among those who know everything. You are the boon among ascetics, among the perfected, and among yogins. Attain immortality; become the great conqueror of death. By your divine play, child, you shall witness the fall of countless Brahmās. Gradually, in glory and splendor, you will become my equal. There is none dearer to me than you; you are even beyond my own self. “All beings are bound on the thread of time as long as the moon and sun endure. You must uphold my words, which are never spoken in vain. You will uphold both my command and your own promise. Great happiness and delight await you, without doubt. In time, you shall become a householder, an ascetic, and a yogin—one who acts according to his own will. “Know that a wicked woman brings suffering to her husband, but not so a devoted wife. Out of affection, a devoted wife cares for her husband as she would for a worthy son.” Thus, in this sacred assembly, vows and blessings were exchanged, and the path of devotion and divine service was set forth with great reverence and love.