In that sacred place, yogis devoted themselves to deep meditation, their gaze fixed steadily upon the tips of their noses, absorbed in contemplation. The area was surrounded by rivers, and was often visited by those who recited and discoursed upon Brahman, the ultimate reality. It was frequented by people who were peaceful, steadfast in truth, free from sorrow, and undisturbed in mind. Ascetics, wise men, and those dedicated to celibacy always served this holy site. There, the divine Ganga flowed eternally, cleansing all sins by her presence. At this auspicious moment, Madhava approached with reverent words and salutations, offering his worship. Those filled with devotion bowed to the supreme teacher of yogis. Among themselves, they spoke about the unmanifest, the primeval god, the great sage. Then, the god himself—the ancient person—arrived there. Though formless, he assumed a form, coming to see the gathered sages. He is beginningless, undecaying, infinite, the great lord of beings, Maheshvara. Govinda quickly made his way to the abode of this great soul. The son of Devaki offered rituals to the gods, sages, and ancestors, and worshipped the emblems of Shambhu, whose brilliance cannot be measured. The residents of that place performed their worship with flowers and unbroken rice, standing motionless, their bodies radiant with auspiciousness. When they saw the desired rites completed, they began to depart from the ancient city. Taking the finest flowers, Govinda entered the house of the chief sage. He bowed his head to the sage, who was calm, adorned with matted locks and bark garments. He seated the foremost guest of the yogis upon a seat. Vishnu, whose true form is unmanifest, stood there in the attitude of a disciple. The sage, recognizing Vishnu—the very soul of the universe—present in his home, wondered aloud, “For what reason has someone like you come here?” The great yogi, having bowed, spoke: “I have come to your abode, eager for the vision of the Blessed One. Where, and after how long, will I see that Lord of Uma?” The sage replied, “With devotion and intense austerity, perform your practice here with diligence. Here, ascetics who recite and meditate remain absorbed in the Lord. He plays among various beings, surrounded by yogis.” The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha himself had obtained yoga from Maheśvara. Having seen him, Vasiṣṭha attained supreme knowledge and the Lord of lords. Surabhi, filled with devotion, received sons from Rudra. Having beheld the glorious Hara, they became fearless and attained bliss. Vasiṣṭha attained supreme yoga and the highest authorship of scripture. He taught the ancient, supremely meritorious text to worthy disciples among the twice-born. O best of men, that scripture consists of exactly twelve thousand verses. Here itself, it was made known by the disciples, as spoken by Śāṃśapāyana. By his command, Vasiṣṭha composed that unsurpassed scripture of yoga. Śukra, foremost among those who know yoga, was obtained as a son from Maheśvara. And you, O worthy one, are fit to behold Viśveśa—the fierce and formidable one with matted hair.