The hosts of the gods, radiant and mighty, gathered before the Lord—Shiva, the three-eyed, the bull-bannered, the God of gods. With reverence, they addressed him: “O Lord, for what purpose have you summoned us, O luminous one? Command us, and we shall obey.” They continued, offering their power and devotion: “Shall we dry up the oceans, or slay Yama and his attendants? Shall we destroy the son of Death, Death himself, or even the Lotus-born, as easily as beasts? If you wish, we can bind Indra and the gods, or Vishnu with the wind; or, in our wrath, bring forth the demons and their hosts. Whose terrible calamity shall we bring about today at your word? Or whose festival shall we celebrate for the fulfillment of all desires?” Hearing these words from the honored lords of the hosts, Shiva, worshipping them in return, addressed the hundreds of millions present: “Hear, all of you, for what purpose you have been summoned here—for the welfare of the world. Listen with focused minds, and do as I command, without hesitation. This Nandi is our son, the lord of all lords, a Brahmin, a leader, and your prosperous commander. By my command, all of you, esteemed ones, anoint him as your commander, the great yogi and master.” Thus instructed by Shiva, the hosts consulted amongst themselves and responded, “So be it.” They brought forth the necessary items for the consecration. A divine seat was crafted for Nandi, made of jambunada gold, splendid and enchanting, resembling Mount Meru. It was not fashioned from a single pillar but shone with the brilliance of fine gold, adorned with strings of pearls and radiant gems. Pillars of beryl supported it, surrounded by networks of tinkling bells, and it was further embellished with exquisite jewels, facing in all directions. Within this pavilion, they placed the excellent and auspicious seat, and before it, a footrest gleaming with blue sapphires. On each side, two vessels filled with supreme water and encircled by lotuses were set for the washing of feet. A thousand water vessels of gold, silver, copper, and clay, filled with water from every sacred place, were brought. Divine garments, fragrances, armlets, earrings, a crown, and a necklace were also assembled. Brahma, the supreme lord, presented a parasol with a hundred spokes and a yak-tail fan. Another fan, radiant with conch necklaces and fair limbs, and yet another, shining like the moon with a golden handle and splendid yak-tail, were brought forth. Airavata, the noble elephant, and another elephant were worshipped; Vishvakarma crafted a golden crown. Spotless divine earrings, the mighty thunderbolt weapon, a golden thread, and two armlets were also presented. Many other diverse and precious materials were brought from all sides by the Ganapas, esteemed by the gods. Then the gods, led by Indra, those led by Narayana, the sages, the blessed Brahma, and the nine Brahmas, all the worlds and their gods, gathered joyfully. When all had assembled, the Supreme Lord ordered Pitamaha, the blessed Brahma, to perform all the necessary rites. Brahma, ever obedient, concentrated and performed all the rites of consecration, worshipping and anointing Nandi himself. Then Vishnu, Shakra (Indra), and the guardians of the worlds likewise anointed the lord of the Ganas as prescribed, following Shiva’s command. The sages and the ancestors, led by the great ones, offered their praises. Vishnu, lord of all the worlds, bowed with joined hands upon his head, praising Nandi with words of victory. All the leaders of the hosts, the gods, and the asuras together with Brahma, praised and consecrated Nandi at that auspicious time. By the Supreme Lord’s command, a marriage was performed there. The goddess Suyaśā, daughter of the Maruts, became Nandi’s wife. A parasol shining like the moon was obtained and adorned by her, accompanied by groups of women holding fly-whisks in their hands. The supreme throne was occupied by her and by me, adorned by Mahalakshmi with a crown and other splendid ornaments. An excellent necklace was placed on the goddess’s neck; likewise, the lord of bulls, a white elephant, a lion, and a lion-banner were given. A chariot and a golden parasol, radiant like the moon’s disc, were also bestowed—such that, even today, nowhere is there anyone equal to me, O mighty one. Taking his family and relatives, the lord ascended the bull; with the goddess and me, Shiva departed. Then, seeing the goddess Bhavā and me, the hosts, sages, divine rishis, and siddhas requested the Pāśupata command, O twice-born. By Shiva’s order, Nandikā, the attendant of the mountain-born’s husband, granted them the auspicious Pāśupata command. Thus, the sages, having received that command from the foremost sage, became devoted to Bhava. Therefore, one should worship in this way. One who utters the name of Bhava without bowing incurs a sin equal to killing a Brahmin ten times—a most grievous sin. Therefore, in every way, one should recite with bowing and reverence; first, one should bow, and at the end, attain the state of Shiva.