He beheld Kumāra, the fire-lord, radiant and powerful, bearing his shining spear. There, too, he saw Svāyambhuva Manu, the ancient progenitor. Turning inward, he contemplated the self within his own self, seeking the truth that lies beyond all forms. The virtuous declare that you alone are all—there is nothing apart from you. You alone are the god, the supreme lord; to you, I seek refuge. Again and again, I seek refuge in you, the god, the lord of all. Remembering your gracious feet, by your boundless compassion, I ever approach you—the true and glorious Lord of all, the supreme auspicious one. To you, Mahadeva, the eternal Lord, I bow again and again in reverence. Salutations to you, wielder of the thunderbolt, clothed in the directions themselves, with matted locks. Salutations to you, who wear a serpent as your sacred thread, who are the very source of fire. Salutations to you, whose laughter resounds with a terrible roar, to the fearsome one, again and again. Salutations to you, dressed as Bhairava, to Hara, bearer of the sword. Salutations to the Lord of Ambika, the master of all creatures. To you, whose form is both man and woman, who sets in motion the paths of Sāṃkhya and Yoga, I offer salutations. To you, the teacher of Kumāra, the God of gods, I bow. Salutations to the great hunter, to the Lord of Brahmā. Salutations to the yogi, who is attained through yoga, who is the very essence of yoga’s power. Salutations to you, the skull-bearer, the Lord of the luminaries. O Supreme Lord, grant me all my desires with your entire being. With deep humility, he fell at the feet of the divine couple, bowing low like a staff in utter devotion. He spoke sweet words, his voice deep and resonant as thunder: “You alone are the giver of all desires to those who seek them. O best of men, nothing is unattainable for you. O Keśava, great god, supreme yogi, by your own yoga—having seen you, Lord of the Universe, and the goddess, daughter of the snowy mountain—I desire a son equal to myself, devoted to you; grant me this, O Śaṅkara.” Having beheld the goddess Girijā, Keśava embraced her lovingly. Then the goddess, daughter of the king of mountains, addressed Hṛṣīkeśa: “Unwavering devotion to the Lord, and likewise in oneself, O Keśava—this is the way. Previously, as prayed for by the gods, the son of Devakī was born. There is truly no difference between us; so do the sages perceive. Steadfast devotion to the Lord, and supreme strength in oneself—these are the highest attainments.” With head bowed, the great god Maheśvara uttered his blessing. The Lord of Mountains then departed for Mount Kailāsa. The blessed Soma, Maheśvara, rejoiced together with Keśava. Then they worshipped Kṛṣṇa, the god of gods, the infallible one. He stood before them, crowned, holding the Śārṅga bow, his chest adorned with the mark of Śrīvatsa and the unrivaled garland Vaijayantī. His feet and eyes were like lotuses, his form charming, his gentle smile bestowing good fortune on all who beheld him.