In that moment, an extraordinary power swept through the heavens. Even Yama, the lord of death, found himself unable to wield his staff or sword. Nirriti, foremost among sages, Varuna with his serpent noose, and Samira with his banner staff—all stood motionless, their divine weapons rendered useless. Soma, holding his mace, Dhanesha with his staff—renowned among staff-bearers—and Ishana, raising his fierce trident, were likewise frozen, unable to act. The mighty Rudras held their tridents, the Ādityas their clubs, and the Vasus their hammers; all the gods dwelling in heaven were restrained at once by the power of the god before them. Other deities, too, were similarly subdued by the Lord of gods. Even Viṣṇu, shaking his head, stood with his discus poised, but the boy caused his head to remain steady; Viṣṇu could neither hurl his discus nor move his arms. Pūṣan, gnashing his teeth in confusion as he looked upon the boy, lost his teeth at the mere glance of Śambhu. The mighty one restrained the strength, brilliance, and power of all the gods, who now stood together, filled with anger and frustration. Brahmā, greatly disturbed by this turn of events, entered deep meditation upon Śaṅkara. In his contemplation, he realized the presence of the Lord, ruler of gods, seated upon the lap of Umā. Recognizing the Lord of gods, Brahmā quickly arose, astonished, and bowed at Śambhu’s feet, offering praise: "You are the intellect of all worlds; you are the ego, O Lord. You alone are the initiator of beings and their senses, O ruler. I was created from your right hand, O ancient one; from your left hand, O mighty-armed, came Nārāyaṇa, the Lord. And this goddess Prakṛti is always your creative cause; assuming the form of your consort, she has become the cause of the world. Salutations to you, O great god; repeated salutations to the great goddess. By your grace, O Lord of gods, and by your command, I have created beings. These gods and others were created by me, but now they are deluded by your power. Grant them your favor so they may return to their former state." Having thus addressed Maheśvara, Brahmā spoke of those who had been restrained by Śambhu's power. "All these gods are deluded and do not recognize Śaṅkara, the god of gods, who has come here, honored by all the gods. Go quickly for refuge, O gods, with Indra at your head, together with Nārāyaṇa and all the sages, to Śaṅkara, the Lord. With me, approach the supreme self, the ruler, along with this supreme Prakṛti, the daughter of Himavat." Thereupon, the foremost of gods, still restrained, bowed in their minds to the Lord, joined by Nārāyaṇa. Pleased with their humility, the three-eyed Lord of gods, at Brahmā’s word, quickly restored them to their former state. When all were thus pleased, the Lord of gods created a divine and supremely wondrous form, restraining all the deities. By his radiance, the gods—including Indra, the Moon, the Sun, Brahma, the Sādhyas, and Narayana—along with Yama and the Rudras, sought vision of the Lord. To them, he granted supreme sight, endowed with the power to see all. The Lord Śarva, master of waters, bestowed vision upon Bhavānī and Cala. Having received this sight, the gods led by Indra and Viṣṇu, with Brahma, Śakra, and others, beheld Maheśvara. Brahma and the foremost hurried to bow, as did Bhavānī and the Lord of the Mountain. The sages, leaders of Śiva's hosts, and those esteemed by Śiva showered flowers. The sky-dwellers, Siddhas, and Cāraṇas did likewise. Divine drums resounded, the sages praised the Lord, chief Gandharvas sang, and groups of Apsarases danced. All the hosts rejoiced, and Pārvatī, the mother, was delighted; the goddess was thrilled in the presence of the dwellers of heaven. She placed a divine, fragrant garland at his feet, saying, "Excellent, excellent," and worshipped him there. Together with the goddess, all the gods—including Brahma—bowed with their heads touching the ground, joined by Yakṣas, Nāgas, and Rākṣasas. Then Brahma, with joined palms, bowed to Mahādeva and said, "Let the wedding be performed, O Lord," addressing Maheśvara. Hearing Brahma’s words, the supreme lord, master of beings, replied, "Let it be as you wish." For the wedding of Maheśa, at that very moment, the virtuous ones witnessed a divine, splendid city made of jewels, created by Brahma. Then Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kadru, Sukālikā, Pulomā, Surasā, Siṃhikā, and Vinatā appeared directly. Siddhi, Māyā, Kriyā, Durgā, the goddess herself, Sudhā, Svadhā, Sāvitrī, the mother of the Vedas, Rājanī, Dakṣiṇā, and Dyuti—all arrived. Svāhā, Svāhāmati, Buddhi, Ṛddhi, Vṛddhi, Sarasvatī, Rākā, Kuhū, Sinīvālī, the goddess Anumatī, and many others came forth. Dharaṇī, Dhāraṇī, Celā, Śacī, Nārāyaṇī, and others, mothers and wives of the gods, also appeared. Joyfully proclaiming, "This is Śaṅkara's wedding," serpents, Garuḍas, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and their hosts joined the celebration. The oceans, mountains, clouds, months, years, the Vedas, mantras, sacrifices, hymns, and all laws of righteousness gathered. The utterance "huṅ," the sacred syllable "Om," countless gatekeepers, a myriad of celestial nymphs, and their attendants—all assembled, filling the divine city with splendor and anticipation for the sacred union.