By the merit of their devotion, those blessed ones attained the highest state in that very body. Ever after, they remained encircling the liṅga of Kṛttivāsa, the Lord adorned with matted locks. Fulfilled and content, they never departed from Kṛttivāsa’s presence—of this, there can be no doubt. For at Kṛttivāsa’s abode, liberation is granted in a single birth, a rare and wondrous blessing. Yet this profound truth was hidden by Devadeva, the great god Śaṃbhu himself. Those devotees, steadfast in their worship of Mahādeva, recited the sacred Śatarudriya hymn. In their hearts, they meditated upon Śiva—the steadfast, the inner Self—and took refuge in Kṛttivāsa. The ascetics, too, fixed their minds on Maheśa, praising Rudra and bowing low before Śaṃbhu. “I know Mahādeva,” they would say, “the Lord of manifold forms.” Once, a seeker journeyed to behold that imperishable liṅga, the Lord of matted locks, at the holy site known as Piśācamocana. There he worshipped the trident-bearing Lord. All who came there recognized the greatness of that sacred field and bowed to Giriśa, the remover of evil. At that time, a single frightened doe, pursued and seeking to escape, ran toward the supreme Lord Kapardeśvara. In her panic, she fell into the clutches of a tiger. Catching sight of the best of sages, she fled once more to a deserted place. Suddenly, a great flame appeared in the sky, radiant like the sun. Upon a bull and surrounded by devoted followers, the doe was seen—transformed in their midst. In that moment, Gaṇeśvara himself appeared, but vanished from sight thereafter. The gathered ones, filled with wonder, turned to their teacher Acyuta and inquired about the greatness of Kapardeśvara. Bowing to Vṛṣabhadhvaja, the teacher spoke: “Simply by remembering Kapardeśvara, one is swiftly freed from all heaps of sin. Worshipping him destroys every obstacle. He should be worshipped with devotion and praised with the hymns of the Vedas. Within six months, perfection in yoga arises—this is certain. Whoever bathes here, in the waters of the Piśācamocana pool, attains great merit.” There, a devotee recited the Rudra mantra day and night, chanting the Pranava which is the very form of Brahman. Dedicating himself to lifelong penance, he dwelt there, his body gaunt, covered only with bones and skin, his breath labored and deep. One day, he asked a visitor, “Who are you? From what land have you come to this place? You are surrounded by sons, grandsons, and kin, intent on supporting your household. Yet, never—not even a little—have you performed any act of merit, however small. The Lord of the universe, when seen, touched, and saluted in Varanasi, grants liberation. O sage, I have not seen the dreadful face of Yama, the god of death. Now, overcome by thirst, I know not what is beneficial or harmful. I implore you—do this for me; I bow to you and take refuge in you. Truly, there is no one in this world more virtuous than you. Having been touched and saluted by you again—who else on earth is like you? By your grace, may I quickly abandon this wretched birth.” Thus, in the sacred presence of Mahādeva, the compassionate Lord, the seekers and ascetics found refuge, guidance, and the promise of liberation.