The ascetic, seeking liberation, may live on leaves, milk, or fruit, becoming almost lifeless while still alive. If not, after six months or a year, such austerity brings him close to death in spirit. He must endure the hardships of departure and bodily trials; by such actions, he attains union with Śiva, even through deeds. Yet, one who is devoted and steadfast in vows may attain liberation instantly. Whether through renunciation or through auspicious vows, sacrifices, gifts, oblations, and study of scriptures and Vedas, the devotee of Rudra finds liberation. Thus, by Śveta’s example, death was conquered through devotion to existence by that great-souled sage. May you, too, cultivate devotion to Mahādeva, Śaṅkara, the Supreme Self. Hearing this from Brahmā, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, the exalted sages gathered and asked about the sacred story of Śveta. There was a sage named Śveta, illustrious and noble, whose lifespan had ended. He dwelt in a mountain cave, absorbed in worship, praising Maheśvara with deep devotion, reciting the sacred Rudrādhyāya beginning with 'namas'. At that moment, Time—brilliant and formidable—approached the sage, whose allotted span was fulfilled. Intending to take him, the presence of Time appeared before Śveta. Seeing Time, though his end had come, Śveta remembered Śaṅkara. With a virtuous soul, he began worshipping Tryambaka, the divine, fragrant one who nourishes all. “What can death do to me, since I am the death of death?” said the terror of the worlds, smiling at Śveta. Time spoke, “Come, Śveta! What fruit is there for you from this rite? Is it Rudra, the Blessed Lord, Viṣṇu, or Brahmā who will reward you? Who can save one seized by me, O best of Brāhmaṇas? What use is this fierce rite of yours to the Lord?” “I have come to take you to the realm of Yama, for your lifespan is ended,” Time declared. Hearing Bhairava’s righteous words, the eminent sage cried out, “Alas, Rudra! Rudra! Rudra!” He gazed at Mahādeva, his eyes filled with tears, agitated and distressed, looking at Time. “What can you do, O Time, if the Lord, Vṛṣadhvaja, is present? In this liṅga is Śaṅkara, Rudra, the source of all the gods. For those devoted to existence, great-souled ones like me, what use is this, O mighty-armed one? Go, go as you have come.” Enraged, sharp-toothed, terrifying, noose-bearing Time made a lion’s roar, clapped repeatedly, and bound the sage whose time had come. Time spoke, “You are bound by me, O best of Brāhmaṇa sages! I am taking Śveta to Yama’s abode today. What has your Rudra, the Lord of gods, done for you? Where is your devotion, your worship, and the fruit of your worship? Where am I, and where is my fear? Śveta, you are indeed bound by me. In this liṅga, your Rudra, the great Lord, is established; that unmoving Mahādeva—how is he to be worshipped?” Then Sadāśiva himself appeared, smiling, to slay the twice-born who had come to kill, to destroy Death—the enemy of Smara, the sacrificer, Hara. Swiftly emerged supreme Śiva, the three-eyed Tryambaka, together with Ambikā, Nandin, and the lords of the gaṇas. He instantly created life, and, beholding Bhava out of fear, the mighty one quickly fell down before the sage. Śiva roared loudly, and, seeing the ender of death, Bhava was slain by his very gaze. The lords of the gods lamented loudly to Maheśvara, bowed to Ambikā and Umā, and the great sages rejoiced. Celestial beings showered beautiful, cool, fragrant flowers from the heavens upon Bhava, the sage. Beholding Death slain, the astonished son of the mountain bowed to imperishable Śiva, Śaṅkara. With a childlike mind, the slain one said, “Be gracious,” to the Lord of sages, to Maheśvara, and to the leader of the gaṇas, the attendant of Maheśvara. The Blessed Lord, having shown favor to the best of the twice-born, entered him; seeing Death’s destroyed, hidden body, he did so at once. Therefore, O twice-born, worship Mṛtyuñjaya with devotion—Śaṅkara, who grants both liberation and enjoyment to all. What need is there for much talk? Renounce and worship Bhava; with supreme devotion to him, you will become free from sorrow. Thus addressed by Brahmā, the speakers of Brahman said, “May devotion to the Lord of gods, to Rudra, the wielder of the bow, arise.” They asked, “By what austerity, O god, or by what sacrifice, or by what vows, do the twice-born become devotees of the Blessed Lord?” Brahmā replied, “Not by gifts, O best of sages, nor by austerity, nor by knowledge, nor by sacrifices, oblations, vows, Vedas, yogic scriptures, or restraints—devotion to Śiva, the supreme cause, comes only by his grace.” Hearing these words, all the supreme sages, weary, along with their wives and sons, bowed to the Grandfather. Therefore, Pāśupata devotion grants success in dharma, desire, and wealth. It grants victory to the sage and bestows conquest over all death. Of old, Dadhīci, by devotion, conquered Hari, the lord of immortals.