O revered one, you should impart to the assembled sages that sacred knowledge which concerns the Supreme Brahman. Their hearts are filled with longing to hear; therefore, speak to them the truth without reservation. Share with them that ancient wisdom once spoken by Viṣṇu himself, when he took the form of the divine Tortoise and addressed the great sages. In those days, Viṣṇu, after bowing his head in reverence to Rudra, spoke words that bring joy and auspiciousness. He revealed this knowledge to Sanatkumāra and the other exalted sages. Among these were Aṅgirā, who was accompanied by Rudra himself, and Bhṛgu, the knower of the highest dharma. Śukra was there, as was the venerable Vasiṣṭha, together with all those whose minds were serene and restrained. These sages undertook severe austerities in the sacred hermitage of Badarikā. There, along with the noble Nara, they meditated deeply upon Lord Nārāyaṇa, who is without beginning or end. Absorbed in devotion, these yogis bowed before the supreme master of yoga. Then, with a deep and resonant voice, the Lord questioned them: “For what purpose are you performing these austerities?” As a sign of their spiritual success, Lord Nārāyaṇa himself appeared before them in all his glory. The sages, recognizing the Supreme Person, sought refuge in him alone. Nārāyaṇa, the ancient and unmanifest Lord, stood before them, radiant and magnificent. With great humility, they addressed him: “We wish to hear the highest truth from you; please dispel all our doubts. What is the nature of the self? What is liberation? Why does transmigration occur? What is that supreme Brahman? Kindly reveal everything to us.” At that moment, the Lord abandoned his ascetic form and stood revealed in his own effulgence. The Śrīvatsa mark shone brilliantly on his chest, and his body glowed like molten gold. So radiant was he that no mortal could gaze upon him at that very instant. Then, Rudra—Maheshvara himself—appeared, favorably disposed. The hearts of the sages overflowed with joy, and they praised the Supreme Lord with deep devotion: “Victory to you, Lord of all sages, honored through austerity! Victory to you, O endless one, cause of creation, protection, and destruction of the worlds! Victory to you, Lord of Ambikā! O Supreme God, we bow to you again and again.” Maheshvara, embracing Hṛṣīkeśa, spoke with a deep, sonorous voice: “O Acyuta, having come to this sacred place, what task is to be accomplished by me?” The Lord replied to Mahādeva, who stood there with goodwill: “Those who have sought refuge in me, desiring true vision, are present here. In my presence, you should impart to them that divine knowledge. Reveal yourself, by your own self, to these foremost of sages. Display your yogic perfection and, having beheld the Bull-bannered One, fulfill your purpose and know your own true nature. It is here, in my presence, that the Lord should speak properly.” Thereupon, Sanatkumāra and the other sages questioned Maheshvara. Suddenly, something wondrous and inconceivable, worthy of the Lord, manifested in the sky. The god Maheshvara shone forth, filling the universe with his radiant light. The sages beheld him, brilliant and pure, seated upon a resplendent throne. They saw Shiva, tranquil and unique in splendor, the Lord of all beings, seated before them in majesty and peace.