Journeying by the power of his mind, the yogi beheld the sacred realm of Shiva. There, he found himself among the foremost yogis, masters of knowledge and extraordinary powers, who dwelled in that divine region. The land was encircled by groves of wish-fulfilling kalpa trees and adorned with rows of pārijāta trees, their blossoms making the forest radiant and beautiful. Everywhere, jewel platforms crafted from the finest precious stones sparkled, and the landscape was graced by hundreds of millions of mansions, all constructed from the essence of great jewels. In the glorious heart of this region, the yogi beheld the abode of Śaṅkara—lofty, reaching the sky, and shining with a brilliance like milk-white water. The palace was adorned with priceless gems, its stairways embellished with jewels, garlands of rubies hung throughout, and vessels of excellent jewels gleamed in the light. Before the palace stood a magnificent lion-gate, always splendid with altars both outside and within. The gate was decorated with wondrous and delightful designs, and guarded by fierce beings with terrifying fangs and mouths, their eyes blazing red. Their bodies were adorned with sacred ash and they wore tiger skins, noble in form. They held tridents and spears, shining with the radiance of Brahman. Though powerful and difficult to subdue, they were humbled by humility. Upon hearing the words of the brāhmaṇa, compassion filled their hearts. These two noble attendants of the Lord granted him permission to enter. As he proceeded, he saw, one by one, sixteen most delightful gates. Passing through them, Śūlina beheld the assembly with great wonder, the air fragrant with the scent of pārijāta flowers carried by the wind. Within, seated upon a jeweled throne and adorned with exquisite ornaments, was the supreme Shiva, bearing trident and spear, clad in tiger skin. He was the great source of auspiciousness, the seed and refuge of Shiva. With a slight smile and serene face, he was eager to bestow grace upon his devotees. His matted locks crowned his head, and beside him sat the daughter of Dakṣa. Shiva’s form was like pure crystal, with five faces and three eyes. He was praised by great yogis and served by accomplished beings, meditated upon as the supreme Brahman—the most complete and highest. Radiant as light, the origin of all, Śrī Kṛṣṇa was also present, transcending Prakṛti, singing with a melodious voice and tearful eyes, the ocean of virtues. Surrounding Shiva were the lords of beings, the hosts of Rudras, and the guardians of the quarters. On his left was Kārttikeya; on his right, Gaṇeśvara; and in his lap, his beloved Gaurī, the daughter of the mountain. The yogi bowed to all with his head, filled with supreme devotion and joy. His words faltered, humble and tearful, his heart exceedingly anxious. Paraśurāma spoke: “What seed, imperishable and eternal, or what inactive one, shall I praise? Unable to compose proper praise, my mind confused, I offer what praise I can to the lord of gods. You are beyond speech, intellect, and mind—the essence of essences, the highest of the high. Like space, you have no beginning, middle, or end, and thus are imperishable. Attainable only through meditation, difficult to approach, yet easily reached by the compassionate, you are the supreme. Today, my birth has become fruitful, and my life has been well lived.