At the sacred feet of Bhavānī and at the lotus feet of Nārāyaṇa, the seekers gathered, yet the true source of the world remained veiled from their sight, appearing as a wondrous mystery. In his delusion, Andhaka, the demon, ventured to the mountain with the intent to seize the goddess Girijā. It was there, upon that holy mountain, that the Supreme Person manifested, prepared to confront the demons. Kālarudra, the fierce god, drew near, and another god, resplendent with a thousand arms, also arrived. The blessed one, whose radiant form is beheld by women across all the worlds, shone brilliantly like the sun. As he appeared, a shower of flowers descended upon him, and the hosts of the Gaṇas, with their chief among them, were present in reverence. Mounted upon his celestial vehicle, which seemed devoid of vitality, the leader addressed Mahādeva, Bhairava, who was adorned with sacred ashes. He declared, "O Lord, except for you, none can slay this demon." The god was praised with many mantras by wise Veda-knowers. Upon seeing Viṣṇu, he resolved to destroy the lord of the demons. All those who moved through the sky sang praises to Bhairava. "You are the eternal fire residing within all beings," they proclaimed. "You are Brahmā, you are Mahādeva, you are the supreme abode, the highest state. Mighty and victorious, you are the lord of the gods and ruler of all worlds." Placing himself at the tips of the trident, Bhairava danced, becoming the refuge of the virtuous. All bowed in reverence to the lord, Bhairava, the liberator from the cycle of existence. In the heavens, delightful hosts of apsarases danced in joy. One endowed with all knowledge arose and offered praises to the Supreme Lord. Time itself, the sage and cause of union and separation in yoga, bowed to Rudra, the one and only. "You, whose form is the self of all, manifesting as the divisions of wind and others; you are Antaka, honored by hosts of yogis. Some indeed call you Shiva. O Lord, you are beyond all distinctions. O blue-throated one, you are praised by those who know the Vedas. You are Sadashiva, the Supreme Lord." "Salutations to the one established on a seat of a thousand powers. Salutations to the one who abides in the hearts of people. Salutations to the one who is the end beyond, the source and origin of existence. Salutations to the consort of Ambika, the gracious one. Salutations to the great Lord, salutations to Shiva." Pleased by these prayers, the Supreme Lord touched the devotee with his hands and spoke, "Having attained lordship of the Gaṇas in my presence, you shall dwell here, O immortal one. You shall be the attendant of Nandishvara, free from all great suffering." Thus, Mahādeva, the lord of the hosts, Andhaka, stood in the assembly of the gods, while the blue-throated one, crowned with matted hair and holding the mighty trident, presided over all.