With deep reverence, the sage spoke of the mysterious nature of the divine feminine, saying, “She is always the mother of discernment, yet she can also become the destroyer of good understanding.” Turning to the Lord, the sage expressed his heart’s true longing: “O Lord, I do not desire a wife; instead, grant me the boon I truly wish for. My longing to serve you in devotion grows ever stronger, never ceasing.” He continued, “With my five mouths, I wish to constantly recite your sacred name, the very source of all virtue and auspiciousness. Let my mind, for countless millions of aeons, remain absorbed in meditation upon your form. In your service, in worship, in humble salutation, and in singing your name; in remembrance, in praise, in chanting your glories, in hearing, and in recitation; in offering myself and in the daily meal consecrated to you—may I be ever engaged.” “May I attain your divine realm, your world, your likeness, your nearness, and even absorption into your very being. The powers of minuteness, lightness, attainment, freedom of will, and greatness; omniscience, the ability to hear at a distance, to enter another’s body; immortality, and all the highest perfections—these eighteen are remembered as the siddhis, the great spiritual perfections. 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 to you.” Hearing these words of Śarva, Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of yogins, addressed the great sage: “Serve me, O Lord of all, best among those who know everything. Among ascetics, perfected beings, and yogins, you are the greatest boon. Attain immortality and become the great conqueror of death. By your play, my child, you witness the fall of countless Brahmās. Gradually, in glory and splendor, you shall become my equal. There is none dearer to me than you; you are even beyond my own self.” “All beings are cooked 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 fulfill both my command and your own vow. You will enjoy great happiness and delight, without doubt. In time, you will become a householder, an ascetic, and a yogin, acting according to your own will.” Kṛṣṇa continued, “A wicked woman brings suffering to her husband, but not a devoted wife. Out of affection, a virtuous wife cares for her husband as for a worthy son, whether he has fallen or not, whether he is wretched or a lord. Those who constantly criticize their husband are destined to be enjoyed by others, but a devoted wife delights with her husband in Goloka for ten million aeons.” “By my command, you will take that virtuous woman as your wife, for the sake of prosperity. Having worshipped a thousand holy places with devotion, using the five sacred offerings, one enjoys happiness in Goloka for a crore of aeons together with me. There is no departure from Goloka for such a one; he remains equal to us. Even making a liṅga and worshipping it once, one dwells in heaven for ten thousand aeons. A wise, liberated, virtuous person attains this through worship of the Śiva liṅga; even a sinner who dies there goes to the realm of Śiva. And those who utter ‘Mahādeva, Mahādeva, Mahādeva’ again and again...” Thus, the Lord spoke, revealing the path of devotion, the greatness of worship, and the fruits of unwavering faith and service.