The protector of the worlds, the divine Lord himself, sought refuge. Blessed Viṣṇu, ever the guardian of those who seek shelter, stood as the protector. Observing that the assembled groups of sages and all the gods were acting with hostility toward Brahman, it was clear that such actions brought great sin upon a person—there could be no doubt about this. In that place, the punishment created by the gods would descend swiftly and terribly. The brāhmaṇas, gathered there in support of Dakṣa, began to revile Mahādeva Śaṅkara, who is revered throughout the world. Those whose minds are attached to false teachings, blinded by their own misconceptions, disparaged the divine path. With the onset of the dreadful Kali age, afflicted by its qualities, even Hṛṣīkeśa, though approached by his own devotees, would become indifferent. Turning his mind toward Rudra, the destroyer of all sins, Viṣṇu recognized the Lord of beings, Paśupati, and addressed him. He spoke, “O Śaṅkara, having disparaged both your nature and my own, I ask for one boon: swiftly destroy that sacrifice.” With this intent to bring an end to Dakṣa’s sacrifice, Viṣṇu suddenly created Rudra. Rudra emerged, unassailable, with a thousand arms and a form that resembled the fire at the end of the age. He held a staff, roared mightily, carried a bow, and was adorned with ashes. As soon as he was born, Rudra approached the Lord of gods with joined palms. Viṣṇu spoke, “O Lord of Gaṇas, Dakṣa performs sacrifice at Gaṅgādvāra, having reviled me.” By Vīrabhadra, Dakṣa’s sacrifice was met with destruction. With his consort, Rudra mounted the bull, and the Gaṇas departed. Those who aided him became renowned as Romajās. Like Kālāgni-Rudra, they resounded throughout the ten directions. Encircling the chief of the Gaṇas, they made their way toward Dakṣa’s sacrificial site. They beheld Dakṣa’s sacrificial place, radiant with immeasurable splendor, filled with the sounds of vīṇās and flutes, and resounding with Vedic recitations. Then Vīrabhadra, wearing a slight smile, addressed Rudra gently. Desiring a share, he said, “You have come seeking portions; grant the shares you wish for.” He continued, “Let him command what he wishes, for we will act accordingly.” The gods replied, “There is no portion of the sacrifice, nor are there mantras for the Lord.” Yet they also said, “Honor Maheśvara, the Lord of Sacrifice, as the king of the ritual. He is to be worshipped in all sacrifices, the bestower of all desired success.” However, they did not truly honor him; the mantras themselves departed, leaving the gods behind, and returned to their own abode. Touching Dadhīca, the brahmarṣi, with their hands, the deities spoke: “Because you have acted arrogantly, today I will destroy your pride.” The enraged leaders of the gaṇas uprooted the sacrificial posts and hurled them away. All the fierce ones seized these posts and cast them into the stream of the Ganges. Rudra, possessing immense strength, restrained the other gods in the same way. He struck out Pūṣan’s teeth with his fist, making them fall. Smiling, the powerful lord of the gaṇas began to harass the assembled gods. Thus, the divine justice unfolded, and Dakṣa’s sacrifice was brought to ruin by the wrath and power of Rudra and his followers.