From the rajas aspect of Prakṛti, the supreme Self, in his own true form, brings forth all of creation, leaving nothing untouched. In this way, the mystery of the supreme Self as the creator has been fully explained. When the wise speak of the highest state, they declare Rudra to be that supreme one. You have perceived this truth, and thus, I am known as the embodiment of knowledge. Scripture proclaims that Viṣṇu, Brahmā, the Blessed Lord, Rudra, and Time are all expressions of the same essence. That essence is unmanifest, imperishable, and eternal, as the sacred texts affirm. Beyond all, there is only space—the indivisible Brahman—and apart from that, nothing else exists. Therefore, I am the one to be worshipped and honored; behold that everlasting being. At that sacred place, through the yoga of devotion, a sage worshipped Rudra. By serving him, the wise brāhmaṇa is freed from all sin. This holy place is known as Rudrakoṭi, belonging to Rudra, the supreme Lord. There, a crore of self-restrained Brahmarṣis gathered. Yet, even among those devoted to one another, discord sometimes arose. Rudra, in his boundless compassion, assumed countless forms, and thus he is remembered as the multitude of Rudras. When the sages beheld the Lord of Pārvatī, their hearts were filled with joy and strength. Thinking, “We have seen him,” they devoted themselves wholly to Rudra with unwavering devotion. All those assembled, yearning for the supreme state, longed for that radiant light. Having seen Rudra and worshipped him with proper reverence, one attains closeness to him. Those who come to this place with discipline are granted half the seat of Indra. By coming here and honoring the ancestors, one delivers a hundred families from bondage. There, the god Hara, who delights in devotion, dwelled joyfully. He offered salutations and worshipped the trident-bearing Lord. With his mind steadfastly fixed, he recited the Rudra hymn day and night. In time, he came to bring the king from his place of residence. Then Time itself appeared—terrible, fierce, and blazing with intensity, the harbinger of death. Yet Time bowed his head to Rudra and recited the Śatarudriya hymn. Standing before him, Death, as if with a smile, called out, “Come, come.” Time, abandoning another, sought to strike down the one engaged in worship of the One Lord. For whoever is devoted to Rudra, or any other deity, does not remain under my sway, said Time. Even as the king was bound in fetters, he continued to recite the Śatarudriya hymn. He saw the form that had appeared and stood before him, realizing, “Now, indeed, it is coming toward us.” The royal sage approached to claim him. He said to Time, “Give him to me, he is mine.” Angered, Time rushed swiftly toward Rudra and struck at him, while Śveta watched. Yet the Lord of the gods, bearer of the Pināka bow, shone resplendently with Umā by his side. Then, that foremost of kings bowed to the imperishable Sambhu, offering salutations: “Salutations to Śiva, the wise one; salutations to the giver of liberation. Salutations to you, O ruler of men, whose form is indivisible and beyond all division.