She was the very embodiment of Dharma, deeply versed in the meaning of the Dharma-śāstras, a knower of righteousness, and the bearer of Dharma itself. She was the power that sustains righteousness, composed entirely of Dharma, transcending all unrighteousness, and upholding Dharma throughout the universe. As the teacher of Dharma, her nature was ever righteous; she could be approached only through the path of Dharma, and she was the very support upon which the earth rested. Though she was free from all powers, she remained the source and refuge of every power. Ever-auspicious, her form was as vast as space itself, pervading all things, yet ultimately formless. Overwhelmed by the vision of her true nature, the devotee bowed with fear in his heart, palms joined in reverence, and spoke: “I am afraid, having seen this awe-inspiring form; O Goddess, please show me another form.” Hearing his plea, the Goddess withdrew her overwhelming aspect and revealed another of her own forms. This new form was gentle and approachable, with two eyes and two arms, adorned with lustrous dark blue locks. Her broad, radiant forehead glowed with a shining tilaka, and a wide golden garland lay upon her chest. Her face was serene and divine, the very abode of infinite greatness. Relieved of his fear and filled with joy, the devotee addressed the supreme Goddess: “O you who stand before me, at once manifest and unmanifest, gracious and visible to my sight—O Goddess, all things ultimately dissolve into you alone, and you alone are the supreme goal. Those who know the highest truth call you Śiva, the refuge of all auspiciousness. From you arise ignorance, limitation, illusion, and the countless powers, including the elements themselves. Though you are free from all distinctions, all distinctions rest within your being. From the primordial substance, you create and transform the entire universe. You alone are supreme bliss, and the giver of bliss. You are Śiva—subtle, all-pervading, and the supreme, eternal Brahman. Among the strong, O Goddess, you are the wind; among yogis, you are Kumāraka. Among the followers of Sāṃkhya, you are the god Kapila; among the Rudras, you are Śaṅkara. Among the Vedas, you are the Sāma Veda; among meters, you are the Gāyatrī. Among all powers, you are Māyā; among those who measure time, you are Time itself. Among the stages of life, you are householdership; among all lords, you are the great Lord. Among the Upaniṣads, you are known as the secret Upaniṣad. Among all paths, you are the sun; among words, you are Sarasvatī herself. Among virtuous wives, you are Arundhatī; among those who fly, you are Suparṇa. You are Sāvitrī among recitations and the Śatarudriya among the hymns of the Yajur Veda. You are the supreme Brahman of all; indeed, everything is pervaded by you. I bow to the Truth that stands beyond all darkness. I seek refuge in that very form. I bow to your form known as Prāṇa, and I honor your form called Puruṣa. I bow to your form that preserves all distinctions, and to your form endowed with every quality. I bow to the form known as the cosmic egg, and I honor the form abiding in the solar orb. I bow to the form called Nārāyaṇa.” So did the devotee offer his heartfelt praise and surrender to the Goddess, recognizing her as the source, support, and ultimate refuge of all that exists.