The sage, filled with curiosity and compassion, asked the man before him, “Who are you? From what land have you come to this place?” He observed that the man, once surrounded by sons, grandsons, and many others, had been deeply engaged in supporting and maintaining his household. Yet, the sage noted with gentle honesty that the man had never performed even the smallest meritorious deed in his life. The man replied with a sense of longing and regret. He spoke of the Lord of the universe, the one who is seen, touched, and saluted in the sacred city of Varanasi. “O sage,” he confessed, “I have not seen the terrible face of Yama, the god of death. Now, overcome by thirst and confusion, I do not know what is truly beneficial or harmful for me. I bow to you and take refuge in you—please do what is best for me.” With deep humility, he continued, “There is truly no one in this world more virtuous than you. Having been touched and saluted by you again, who else on earth could be like you? By your guidance, I hope to quickly abandon this wretched birth.” With these words, he fixed his mind in deep concentration. As he focused, a vision appeared before him—a beautiful crown adorned with the sign of the moon. It was as if the rising sun, seen by all the gods, shone forth. Around him gathered the Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Kinnaras, and many other celestial beings. In that sacred place where Rudra, the Lord composed of the three Vedas, radiated his divine light, the man bowed low and offered praises to the great, matted-haired one. He beheld the sun, the fire, and the tawny-steeded deity. He perceived the great sage, pure and composed of Brahman, and the lord of the golden womb, the three-eyed one. With devotion swelling in his heart, he declared, “I bow always, seeking refuge in him. I shall offer obeisance, for there is nothing else worthy. That boundless Brahman is your true nature—I seek refuge in you, the self-born. I bow always to the one who transcends even Brahman. O vast Time, your true nature, I go for refuge to you, the mighty wielder of the Pinaka bow.” With these words, he fell prostrate on the ground, uttering the supreme syllable Om. In that moment, knowledge, bliss, and non-duality blazed within him like millions of fires of time. He merged into the pure linga, which became wondrous and radiant. No one knows the mystery of this union—even the learned are bewildered by darkness. But it is known that a devotee, purified from sin, attains closeness to Rudra. At dawn, at midday, and in the evening, such a one attains the highest yoga. “We shall always see the god and worship the wielder of the trident,” they vowed. There, with a disciplined mind, the devotee dwelt, worshipping the matted-haired Lord with unwavering devotion. After many years, the Lord himself went to see the ruler of the middle region. Upon seeing a river with pure, sparkling waters, the sage was filled with delight. With a mind purified by devotion, he performed his sacred bath, carefully observing all the prescribed rites. He worshipped Bhava, the origin of all worlds, with many kinds of fragrant flowers, and honored Madhyameśvara, the Lord who wields the trident. There, great beings assembled together to see Rudra, the Lord Madhyameśvara, and to offer him their worship and praise.