With a heart full of devotion, the seeker resolved, “There is nothing else worthy—let me offer my obeisance.” He turned his mind to the boundless Brahman, recognizing this as the very essence of his true nature. Seeking refuge, he surrendered himself to the self-born Lord, and with deep humility, he bowed again and again to the One who even transcends Brahman itself. He contemplated vast Time—realizing it, too, as the Lord’s own nature—and sought shelter in the mighty wielder of the Pinaka bow. Overwhelmed by reverence, he fell prostrate on the ground, uttering the supreme syllable Om, the sound of all creation. In that moment, he perceived knowledge, bliss, and non-duality blazing forth, radiant like millions of fires at the end of Time. Immersed in this vision, he merged into the pure linga, which became wondrous before his eyes—a mystery beyond comprehension, one that even the wise and learned find themselves bewildered by, as if lost in darkness. Yet, for the devotee who is purified from sin, closeness to Rudra is attainable. Such a one, at dawn, midday, and evening, finds the highest union—yoga itself. With steadfast minds, they resolved, “We shall always behold and worship that God, the trident-bearing Lord.” So, with discipline and devotion, he dwelt there, worshipping the matted-haired ascetic, Lord Śiva. After many years had passed, the Lord himself journeyed to see the ruler of the middle—Madhyameśvara. Upon seeing a river of pure, sparkling water, the sage was filled with delight. With a mind purified by devotion, he performed his bath, meticulously observing the sacred rites. He worshipped Bhava, the origin of all worlds, offering many kinds of flowers in adoration. He paid homage to Madhyameśvara, the Lord who wields the trident. At that sacred place, many assembled to behold Rudra, Lord Madhyameśvara. Among them were ascetics with matted hair and shaven heads, all adorned with white sacred threads. They were devoted to celibacy, peaceful in demeanor, and intent on realizing the knowledge of Vedānta. Having worshipped as prescribed, these sages spoke together. Paila and the other disciples addressed those sages, who were absorbed in Brahman. Vyāsa himself was present—Hṛṣīkeśa, the great sage who divided the Vedas—and by a portion of himself, the Lord became his son, Śuka. It was Śuka, who, having taken refuge with supreme devotion, attained divine knowledge. With undistracted minds, the gathered sages bowed and addressed the son of Satyavatī, Vyāsa. They spoke of the supreme Maheśvara, the grace of the God of gods, and prayed, “May we quickly see that God, having heard of Him from the Blessed One’s lips.” Vyāsa, the foremost knower of yoga, imparted that supreme knowledge to the yogis assembled there. In that very place, those brāhmaṇas, absorbed in contemplation, vanished in a moment. Vyāsa spoke to Paila and the others about the greatness of Madhyameśa, revealing that the Blessed Lord always delights there, surrounded by Rudras. Kṛṣṇa himself remained there for a year, always surrounded by devotees of Paśupati. Hari worshipped Śaṃbhu, observing the vow of Paśupati with steadfast devotion. Through the Lord’s words, they received profound knowledge and beheld the great Lord directly. The blessed Lord, granter of boons, bestowed the highest boon upon Kṛṣṇa. For them, that divine knowledge, which pervades the entire universe, would arise. And by the Lord’s grace, there would be no doubt—they would be revered by the twice-born, honored among the wise.