You are Śiva, the all-pervading and subtle one, the supreme, eternal Brahman—so profound and vast that everything rests in you. Among the strong, O Goddess, you are the very force of the wind; among yogis, you shine forth as Kumāraka, the youthful sage. Among the Sāṃkhyas, you are none other than the god Kapila; among the Rudras, you are Śaṅkara himself. Within the sacred Vedas, you are the melodious Sāma Veda, and among all poetic meters, you are the revered Gāyatrī. Of all powers, you are Māyā, the wondrous creative energy; and among those who measure time, you are Time itself, the eternal witness. Of the four stages of life, you are householdership, the pillar of society; among all lords, you are the great Lord, the supreme among rulers. O Goddess, among all Upaniṣads, you are known as the secret Upaniṣad, the most esoteric truth. Among the many paths, you are the radiant sun, illuminating all; among words, you are Sarasvatī, the goddess of speech and wisdom. Among virtuous wives, you are Arundhatī, the embodiment of fidelity; among those who soar the skies, you are Suparṇa, the mighty bird. In the sacred recitations, you are Sāvitrī, the life-giving chant, and among the Yajur Veda hymns, you are the powerful Śatarudriya. You are the supreme Brahman pervading all; indeed, everything in existence is filled with your presence. I bow to the Truth that is beyond all darkness. I seek refuge in that very form, which is the essence of all. I bow to your aspect known as Prāṇa, the vital force; I honor your form as Puruṣa, the cosmic person. I bow to your form, which preserves all distinctions and diversity. O Goddess, I bow to your form endowed with every auspicious quality. I bow to your form as the cosmic egg, the source of creation; I honor your presence within the solar orb, the seat of brilliance. I bow to your form as Nārāyaṇa, the sustainer of all; I honor your aspect as Time, the inexorable flow. I bow to your form as Śeṣa, the cosmic serpent, and as Rudra, the fierce one. I honor this most revered form of yours. Salutations to you, O divine Lady, O auspicious one, I bow again and again. In you alone, I seek refuge; be gracious to me, O Supreme Lady. The mother of the universe has now become my daughter, born of my austerity—what a wonder! Truly, the greatness of Menā, the mother of all worlds, is beyond measure. I honor your lotus feet and seek refuge in you, O auspicious one. Command me, O great goddess, O Śaṅkarī, what would you have me do? Standing before Girijā, he waited with joined palms, his heart full of devotion. With a gentle smile, Girijā spoke to her father, her thoughts resting on Paśupati, her beloved husband. Then, the supreme teaching—honored by the knowers of Brahman—was imparted. This teaching is endowed with all powers, infinite, and the supreme mover of all. Be steadfast and devoted to that alone, seek refuge in that alone. Worship that alone always, with all sacrifices, austerities, and gifts. By my instruction, O sinless one, I will destroy your bondage to worldly existence. From this ocean of worldly life, I will swiftly lift you up. You will attain me, O best of mountains, not otherwise, even by millions of actions. Therefore, always practice, for the sake of liberation, that which is united with knowledge of the Self.