The assembled sages and gods were reminded of a sacred truth: Maheśvara, the Lord of Sacrifice, must be honored as the true king of all rituals. In every sacrifice, he alone is the one to be worshipped, for he is the bestower of all desired success. Yet, in their pride, the gods neglected him. As a result, the very mantras of the sacrifice, sensing this disregard, abandoned the gods and returned to their own celestial abode. In this moment of disruption, the deities approached Dadhīca, the revered brahmarṣi, and, laying their hands upon him, spoke with sternness. They rebuked him for his arrogance, declaring, “Because you have acted with pride, today your conceit will be destroyed.” Then, the leaders of Śiva’s gaṇas, filled with wrath, tore up the sacrificial posts and hurled them far away. All the fierce attendants of the Lord seized these posts and cast them into the sacred stream of the Ganges. With immense strength, the chief among them restrained the other gods in a similar fashion. In his fury, he struck Pūṣan, causing his teeth to fall out with a single blow of his fist. Smiling, the powerful lord of the gaṇas continued to harass the assembled deities. Even the lords of the sages were not spared; they struck the sages on their heads with their feet. Sudarśana was pierced with sharp arrows, rendered motionless beforehand. Roaring like the ocean, he struck suddenly with his wings. Those who were mightier than Garuḍa himself fled from Vainateya in terror. Yet, with great force, Mādhava was released, a sight that filled all with wonder. Emerging into the fray, he restrained both Vīrabhadra and Keśava. Then, the blessed Lord Īśa, accompanied by Sāmba, arrived, praised by all. The blessed Brahmā, Dakṣa, and all the dwellers of heaven offered their reverent hymns. With hands joined, Dakṣa bowed low and praised the Lord with many kinds of hymns. With his mind made serene, the ocean of compassion, the Lord, spoke graciously to Rudra. The Blessed One was to show favor to Dakṣa and all the dwellers of heaven. Hara addressed the gods and Pracetasa (Dakṣa), who had bowed before him: “In all sacrifices, I am to be honored and never reviled. Abandon this craving for worldly things; become my devotee with diligence. Remain content in your own duties, as I command.” Then, the Lord, whose splendor is immeasurable, became invisible to Dakṣa. Yet, he spoke words meant for the welfare of all the worlds: “Protect this without negligence.” Only the wise, those versed in the Vedas and who have attained the state of Brahman, truly behold him. The great god, lord of gods, is ever praised with Vedic mantras. One who contemplates him with a mind full of devotion attains the supreme state. With action, mind, and speech, worship him diligently. For anyone who slanders him, all their actions become the cause of every fault. That blessed Lord, the great god, is truly the God of gods—there can be no doubt. Those who, out of delusion and false doctrines, revile him, fall into hell. But those who see with unity become fit for liberation. Therefore, one should worship the god in this understanding and attain the highest state. From Rudra and Nārāyaṇa arises this entire world. One should take refuge in the great god, the protector, honored by the knowers of Brahman. Thus, Dakṣa sought refuge in the Lord, Paśupati, the god clad in skins, the refuge of all.