He beheld the Supreme Lord before him—bearing a trident and a spear, riding upon the mighty bull, clothed only in the directions themselves. The Lord’s matted locks shone with the brilliance of molten gold, radiating an otherworldly splendor. There stood the conqueror of death, the destroyer of all, Time itself in person. This was the bestower of true knowledge, tranquil and serene, the giver of liberation, and the one who grants devotion to Hari. With a heart full of devotion, the Gandharva approached and, reciting the sacred hymn given by Vasiṣṭha, praised the Supreme Lord. He humbly requested from Him two boons: unwavering devotion to Hari and a son who would be a supreme devotee of Viṣṇu. Hearing these words, the moon-crested Lord, Śrī Mahādeva, addressed the Gandharva: “O king of the Gandharvas, what is it that you desire? Who is ever truly satisfied, O most inauspicious one? Know this, O child—unwavering devotion to Hari is the source of all auspiciousness. One’s own lineage, numbering in the hundreds of millions, and that of the maternal grandfather as well, and even the threefold sins accumulated over millions of births, along with wife, son, and all desired prosperity, these remain only so long as the sword of devotion to Kṛṣṇa, so difficult to overcome, has not arisen in the mind. Fortunate indeed are those whose sons are supreme devotees of Viṣṇu. A single son of such devotion fulfills all desires—what a blessing! For us Vaiṣṇavas, even accumulated wealth is extremely rare. Choose another boon, O child, whatever you desire in your mind. All accomplishments—great yoga, knowledge, and victory over death—these too may be yours.” Hearing Śaṅkara’s words, the Gandharva was overcome; his throat, lips, and palate became dry. He replied, “That state of Brahman is like a dream if one does not desire devotion to Kṛṣṇa. O Śiva, even the lordship of Indra, immortality, yogic powers, residence in the divine realm, opulence, nearness or oneness with Śrī Hari—without eternal and firm devotion, without the status of a servant of Hari, all these are exceedingly rare and ultimately empty. O wish-fulfilling tree, grant me this boon: to become a servant of the son of Viṣṇu. If you will not grant me this, O Śambhu, then let me become a wrongdoer instead.” Hearing this heartfelt plea, the ocean of compassion, Śrī Śaṃkara, spoke: “May your son be long-lived, virtuous, ever youthful, and steadfast. May he be wise, handsome, devoted to his teacher, and master of his senses.” Having thus spoken, Śaṃkara departed to his own abode. The hearts of all the people blossomed with joy, for their purpose had been fulfilled. In time, the elderly woman gave birth to a son on Mount Gandhamādana. On an auspicious day, the boy’s consecration was performed; he surpassed even the venerable ones and was named Upabarhaṇa. Sauti continued: The king of the Gandharvas, overjoyed, gave generous gifts to the brāhmaṇas. In time, Upabarhaṇa obtained the exceedingly rare mantra of Hari. When he reached the fullness of youth, on the banks of the Gaṇḍakī, he undertook intense austerities, and through yoga, renounced his life. Several women chose Upabarhaṇa the Gandharva as their husband. Youthful and ever steadfast in youth, he accepted them as his wives. Thereafter, he ruled his kingdom with them for a long time, day and night. One day, as he watched Rambhā dance, her firm breast swaying gracefully, he was so overcome that he immediately abandoned his song and, right there on the floor of the assembly, fell unconscious.