As the conversation unfolded, one of the divine beings warned that the declaration made would surely lead to destruction. He proclaimed his knowledge of the Supreme Lord, master of Pradhāna and Puruṣa, and urged that refuge be sought in that Brahman who is both beginningless and endless. He pointed out that his companion did not yet know his own self, that supreme imperishable reality, and asserted that there was no other Supreme Lord of the worlds besides the two of them. Hearing these words, which were spoken in anger, Viṣṇu responded. He assured Brahman that nothing was unknown to him and that he did not speak otherwise. Viṣṇu explained that the cause of all the distinct forms of Māyā arises from the self, and that by knowing this supreme truth—one’s own self as the great Lord—one attains clarity. At that moment, Hara appeared to grant favor to Brahmā. The blessed Lord, holding a trident and radiating supreme splendor, wore a wondrous garland that hung down to his feet. Deluded to a great extent by Māyā, he was dressed in yellow garments. Then Janārdana, the immeasurable Self and mass of radiance, approached. He beheld the shining Lord blazing in pure waters. Rising up, the Blessed Lord addressed the god of gods, the Grandsire. He described him as without beginning or end, inconceivable, the great Lord of all worlds, lord of beings, yogi, pure and auspicious. He is the one whom ascetics, absorbed in Brahman, perceive; becoming Time, the great god, solitary, partless, and auspicious. Śaṅkara, who gave the Vedas, now approached. Janārdana said, “Know me, O Grandsire, as the one called Vāsudeva. May you have divine sight, by which you will see that supreme reality.” With this blessing, the Grandsire perceived the Supreme Lord standing before him. He sought refuge in that very god, Śiva, the father, and with joined palms, praised him using the Atharvaśiras hymn. Filled with supreme delight, he spoke as if smiling, recalling that he himself had previously brought forth the imperishable for the creation of the worlds. The Supreme Lord offered, “Choose a boon, O Soul of the Universe; I am the granter of boons to you, O sinless one.” Beholding Viṣṇu, the Person, the Grandsire bowed and spoke to the Bull-bannered One, expressing his desire for Śiva alone as a son, or someone truly like him. He admitted that he did not know Śiva’s highest nature in its true reality and sought his grace, bowing to his lotus feet and seeking refuge. Then, seeing Janārdana, he addressed his son, saying, “Divine knowledge, lordly and pure, will arise in you, O sinless one. So do this, O lord of gods, by me, O ancestor of the worlds. Hari, the lord, will be the bearer of your yoga and welfare.” Hari, touching Brahma, spoke: “Choose a boon, for we two are not truly different in essence.” He spoke with a pleased voice, gazing at the four-faced one, thus bringing the exchange to a harmonious close.