Thus instructed, the sages swiftly journeyed to the Himalaya mountains. Upon their arrival, the great snowy mountain himself received them with honor and respect. The eminent sages, delighted and moved by urgency, addressed Himavat with earnest words: “O Mountain King, the god Pinaki himself seeks your daughter directly. Prepare yourself and purify, as one does before sacred offerings into the fire. This is the gods’ long-awaited endeavor—now is the time to act for the rescue of the world.” Hearing these words, Himavat was overwhelmed with joy. Speechless and unable to reply at once, he looked toward Shiva, seeking guidance for this blessed union. At that moment, Menā, the gentle mother, saw the assembled sages. Her voice trembled with emotion as she addressed both her daughter and the sages, bowing at their feet in reverence, for she understood their purpose. “The very reason a daughter’s birth is desired, which yields the highest fruits, has now come to fruition in its destined time,” she said. “Even if a suitor has family, birth, age, beauty, splendor, and wealth, the daughter should be given to him when he asks, once summoned. But how can she depart, having undergone such severe austerities? Whatever must be done, let it be according to her wishes.” Hearing Menā’s heartfelt words, the sages replied with gentle wisdom, offering words that soothed a mother’s heart: “Know that even gods and demons worship at the lotus feet of Śaṅkara, and attain sovereignty through his grace. Your daughter, through all her severe penances, has longed to obtain him in a form that would delight her. Whichever form is suitable for him, she has sought with unwavering devotion. Only she who completes these divine vows with care will become his; therefore, remain attentive until her vows are fulfilled.” Having spoken thus, the sages, together with Himavat, went to where Umā shone brilliantly—her penance and radiance surpassing even the sun and fire. The sages honored her as she approached along the path, and spoke gently: “O lovely, dear, enchanting one, do not burn away your beauty with such austerity. In the morning, Śaṅkara himself will take your hand, O daughter. We have already spoken to your father on your behalf. Now, return home with him; we shall go back to our hermitages.” Hearing this, Umā thought, “The fruit of my austerities is at hand!” Filled with joy, she hurried to her father’s house, adorned with divine splendor. Yet, longing for a vision of Hara, the night felt to her as long as ten thousand years. At the auspicious Brahma-muhūrta, celestial women performed various sacred rites for Umā in proper sequence. In the splendid mansion, adorned with countless auspicious signs, the very embodiments of the seasons attended to the Mountain’s daughter, fulfilling her every desire. Winds and clouds swept the palace, while Lady Śrī herself adorned the goddess with radiant ornaments. Everywhere, radiance and prosperity abounded; wish-fulfilling jewels and precious stones surrounded the mountain. Nagas, wish-fulfilling trees, great celestial trees, and divine medicinal herbs, all endowed with supernatural properties, attended the occasion. All the juices and minerals of the earth became eager servants of the mountain, ready to obey its command. Rivers, oceans, and all things—moving and still—magnified the glory of the Himalaya. Sages, nagas, yakṣas, gandharvas, kinnaras, and the gods of Śaṅkara gathered on Mount Gandhamādana. All ornaments and adornments, pure and radiant, stood ready; even the crescent moon was placed in Śarva’s matted hair. With eyes wide in generous affection, Cāmuṇḍā bound a great garland of skulls and fastened it upon his head, declaring: “O Śaṃkara, beget a son who, after vanquishing the race of Daitya lords, will satisfy me with their blood.” Sauri, adorned with a blazing, fiery crown and serpent ornaments, stood prepared before Śambhu. Śakra, his broad, lotus-like face glistening with sweat, eagerly donned the elephant hide, its edges anointed with fat. Vāyu adorned the powerful bull, sharp-horned and shining like the Himalaya itself—the mighty mount of Hara. The sun, fire, and moon, dwelling in Śambhu’s eyes, spread their own radiance for the Lord of the worlds, who witnesses all deeds. He applied funeral ash, silver-bright, to his skull, and fastened a garland of human bones with his own hand. The Lord of the Dead stood at the entrance, bearing a mace, adorned with many forms and great jewels brought by the Lord of Wealth. Shiva cast aside his splendid serpent bracelet and fashioned Vasuki and Takṣaka as ear ornaments. The leaders of the celestial hosts reverently brought Vīraka, steadfast and adorned with fresh ocean flowers. All were busily engaged, and they said, “Announce to the earth, O wielder of the trident, that the Lord, adorned and decorated, is now ready.” The seven oceans stood as mirrors, and thus the Lord beheld his own reflection in the vast waters. Embracing the earth with his knees, Keśava spoke to Sthāṇu: “O God, you shine with a form that brings joy to the world.