No deity had uttered a curse upon the king because of Shiva. Instead, it was Shankara himself, filled with righteous anger, who took up his trident and restrained the Sun. Brandishing his trident, Shiva journeyed to the world of Brahmā, intent on confronting the Sun even there. Once more, with his trident in hand, Shankara faced the Sun in Brahmā’s domain. Frightened by these events, all the gods and celestial beings sought refuge in Nārāyaṇa, the Lord of all. United in their fear, they approached Hari and explained the cause of their distress. Out of deep compassion, Nārāyaṇa comforted them and granted freedom from fear, assuring them, “Wherever those afflicted by danger remember me, I protect them. I am always and forever the creator and protector of the worlds. “I am Śiva, I am you, I am also the Sun—the one whose nature encompasses the three guṇas. Go now, and may good fortune be yours; what cause is there for fear? That blessed Lord is easily pleased, a refuge and the ultimate goal for the virtuous. Both Sudarśana and Śiva are dearer to me than life itself. Mahādeva could create ten million Suns with ease. “All external knowledge is nothing to one who meditates on me day and night, for I myself think of their welfare always. The Blessed Lord is of the nature of Śiva, and Śiva is the presiding deity.” At that very moment, Śaṅkara himself arrived there. Swiftly dismounting from his bull, he bowed his head in devotion. He beheld Nārāyaṇa seated on a jeweled throne, adorned with radiant ornaments, dark as a fresh raincloud, beautiful, and four-armed. His body was anointed with sandalwood, clothed in yellow garments, listening with a delighted smile to the singing and dancing of the Vidyādharas. Mahādeva bowed to him, and Brahmā also offered his respects. Kaśyapa, filled with devotion, praised and bowed as well. Shiva saw Candraśekhara seated comfortably on a pleasant seat, at peace—his anger dispelled by the influence of sattva, serene, smiling, and joyful. With a tranquil heart, Shiva spoke to him, who was pleased, in the assembly of the gods. Śrī Bhagavān addressed him: “I ask you about worldly and Vedic matters, and about peace. You are the giver of the fruits of austerities, bestower of all wealth. You are the lord of knowledge, all-knowing; why should I ask you about knowledge in vain? You alone are the source of speech and questions, the very foundation of the scriptures.” Śrī Mahādeva replied, “The Sun was cursed—that is the reason for the conflict between the scriptures. Out of grief for his son and parental affection, he rose up to destroy the Sun. Those who take refuge in you, whether by meditation or even by words, and those who directly take refuge—what need is there to speak of the reward they receive, O Lord? What will become of my devotee? Tell me that, Lord of the universe.” Śrī Bhagavān answered, “Go quickly to the realm of kings from Vaikuṇṭha in half a ghaṭikā. The bearer of the bull-banner died, struck down by time, which is irresistible and exceedingly fierce. His two sons, Dharmadhvaja and Kuśadhvaja, were both greatly illustrious.