With reverence and awe, salutations were offered to the mighty Lord who wears a serpent as his sacred thread, the very source of fire. Homage was paid to him whose laughter resounds like thunder, to the terrible one—again and again, his greatness acknowledged. To Bhairava, clad in his fierce attire, to Hara, the sword-bearer, salutations resounded. He was honored as the Lord of Ambika, the master of all creatures. Praise was given to the one whose form is both man and woman, who sets in motion the paths of Sāṃkhya and Yoga. Salutations were offered to the teacher of Kumāra, the God of gods. The great hunter, the Lord of Brahmā, was also revered. The yogi, who is attainable only through yoga and is the very essence of yoga’s power, was praised. To the skull-bearer, the Lord of the luminaries, salutations were given. With heartfelt devotion, a plea was made to the Supreme Lord: “Grant me all desires with your entire being.” The supplicant fell at the feet of the divine couple, bowing low like a staff. He spoke sweet words, his voice deep as thunder, declaring, “You alone are the giver of all desires here for those who seek them. O best of men, there is nothing unattained by you.” Keśava, the great god, the supreme yogi, by his own yoga, beheld the Lord of the Universe and the goddess, the daughter of the snowy mountain. He expressed his wish: “I desire a son equal to myself, devoted to you; grant this, O Śaṅkara.” Having beheld the goddess Girijā, Keśava embraced her. The goddess, daughter of the king of mountains, addressed Hṛṣīkeśa, speaking of unwavering devotion to the Lord and likewise within oneself. She recalled how the gods had previously prayed for the birth of Devakī’s son, and thus he was born. She affirmed, “There is no difference between us; thus do the sages perceive.” She spoke of steadfast devotion to the Lord and supreme strength within oneself. With bowed head, Maheśvara also uttered a blessing. The Lord of Mountains then departed for Mount Kailāsa. The blessed Soma, Maheśvara, rejoiced with Keśava, and together they worshipped Kṛṣṇa, the god of gods, the infallible one. Kṛṣṇa, adorned with a crown, holding the Śārṅga bow, his chest marked by the sacred Śrīvatsa, bore the unrivaled Vaijayantī garland across his chest. His feet and eyes were like lotuses; his smile was gentle and charming, bestowing good fortune. Radiant with splendor, Kṛṣṇa wandered through the mountain caves. Here and there, Siddhas, Yakṣas, and Gandharvas beheld him, the one who pervades the universe. They showered flowers upon the head of that great soul. Seeing Kṛṣṇa, their garments and ornaments in disarray, they trembled with awe. Beholding the son of Devakī, the beautiful women were overcome with desire. Some stood gazing, drinking the nectar of his mouth. The passionate women adorned Kṛṣṇa, the ornament of the world, and adorned themselves as well as Madhava with their own ornaments. With innocent, deer-like eyes, they kissed Hari’s lotus face. Deluded by his enchanting illusion, they led him to the world of the gods.