Then, approaching the great Mahādeva—Bhairava himself, adorned with sacred ashes—a devotee addressed him with deep reverence. “O Lord,” he said, “none but you has the power to vanquish this foe. Only you can accomplish this task.” For the mighty one in question was lauded by wise Veda-knowers with countless mantras, his glory ringing through the worlds. Witnessing Viṣṇu, Bhairava resolved to destroy the lord of the demons. As this resolve took root, celestial beings who traverse the skies began to praise Bhairava, the formidable god. “You are the eternal fire dwelling within all beings,” they extolled. “You are Brahmā, you are Mahādeva, you are the supreme abode—the highest state. Great in power, you are the lord of the gods, the victorious ruler of all worlds.” In a display of divine energy, Bhairava placed himself at the tips of his trident and danced, becoming the refuge for all the virtuous. The assembled beings bowed low before him—Bhairava, the liberator from the bondage of existence. In the heavens above, delightful hosts of apsarases danced in celebration. Amidst this scene, one endowed with all knowledge arose and began to praise the Supreme Lord: “You are Time itself, O sage, the cause of all union and separation in yoga. I bow to you, Rudra, the one and only. Your form is the self of all, manifesting in the divisions of wind and other elements. You are Antaka, honored by hosts of yogis. Some indeed call you Shiva. O Lord, you are beyond all distinctions. O blue-throated one, Veda-knowers sing your praises. You are Sadashiva, you are the Supreme Lord.” Salutations poured forth: “Salutations to you, established upon a seat of a thousand powers. Salutations to you, who abide in the hearts of all people. Salutations to you, the end beyond, the source and origin of all existence. Salutations to the consort of Ambika, the gracious one. Salutations to the great Lord—salutations to Shiva.” Pleased by these words, the Supreme Lord touched the devotee gently with his hands and spoke: “Having attained lordship over the Ganas in my presence, you shall dwell here, O immortal one. You shall be the attendant of Nandishvara, forever free from great suffering.” So it was that Mahādeva, lord of the hosts, together with Andhaka, stood in the assembly of the gods. The blue-throated one, crowned with matted locks and wielding his mighty trident, shone resplendent. At this moment, the blessed Viṣṇu, smiling, addressed the god of gods, recognizing that he does not see faults born of ignorance and readily accepts all virtues. Together—Keśava, Andhaka, and their companions—approached the presence of Śaṅkara. In that divine gathering, Hara attained perfect union and contentment, accompanied by Mādhava and Mātrika. Then, the Lord proceeded to the celestial abode where the daughter of the mountain, his beloved, resided. There, he bestowed supreme happiness upon Andhaka, granting him his favor. Overwhelmed, Andhaka fell prostrate to the ground, bowing at the lotus feet of the Lord. For it is the primordial Purusha who ultimately destroys the entire universe. And so, in that sacred place, the devotee offered obeisance to her—the golden one—supremely pure, unborn, and undying. “I bow to her,” he declared, “who is ever free from all distinctions and divisions.