All the gods, led by Mahendra, were filled with wonder as they beheld the marvelous sight before them. Their hearts’ deepest wishes had been fulfilled, and they exclaimed with joy, “Today our eyes have seen what our minds so long desired.” The gathering was so vast that the armlets of the gods were loosened by the press of the crowd, and even the doorway was blocked by deer. Yet, the foremost among the celestial beings managed to enter, eager not to miss this extraordinary occasion. Within, the lord of the mountain received the four-faced Brahmā with reverence and devotion. Brahmā, worshipped with all due rites, performed the ceremonies exactly as prescribed, chanting sacred mantras to lead each act. The pivotal moment arrived: Sharva’s hand was joined with that of his bride, witnessed by Agni, and the ceremony remained unbroken. The lord of the earth gave the bride, while Brahmā himself officiated. Pashupati stood as the groom, and Vishvarani as the radiant bride. All beings—gods, demons, creatures that move and those that do not—were present to witness the union. Following the ritual order, the assembled deities busied themselves with their respective forms, blessing the event by releasing new grains, rice, and medicinal herbs into the world. The goddess Earth, overflowing with delight, gathered all gems and ornaments, as did Varuna. Pure and holy ornaments, crafted from various gems, were offered, and the god stood adorned, bringing joy to all living beings. Kubera, lord of wealth, brought divine ornaments of gold, each fashioned with care and devotion, and presented them with reverence. A gentle, fragrant wind began to blow, pleasing to the touch. Indra, radiant as the moon, held aloft a pure white umbrella over the divine couple. Joyful and adorned with garlands, he grasped the umbrella with arms shining with many ornaments. The chief Gandharvas sang in melodious tones, while the Apsarases danced with grace. The Gandharvas and Kinnaras played music of surpassing sweetness, their songs filling the air. Even the seasons themselves appeared in person, singing and dancing in celebration. The excitement of the hosts made Mount Himāchala tremble. Then, the all-consuming, sun-eyed Lord advanced step by step, rising in majesty. He performed the wedding rites with his wife, following every prescription. The mountain king offered the ritual water, while the hosts of gods watched, entertained and delighted. The destroyer of cities, Shiva, spent the night there with his beloved wife. As dawn approached, the Gandharvas sang and the Apsarases danced to awaken the gods. At daybreak, praised by gods and demons alike, the lord of the gods invited the king of the snowy mountain to bid farewell. Then, with Umā at his side, Shiva mounted the horned bull and, swift as the wind, journeyed to Mount Mandara. When Shiva and Umā departed, the mountain king and his kin were overcome with longing—after all, whose heart does not ache when a beloved daughter is given away? The mountain city, long prepared by Hara, shone with blazing gems, crystal, and gold. Its crystal towers radiated brilliance, even as the host of immortals departed, each returning to their own realms. Shiva, with Umā, enjoyed the pleasures of delightful gardens and secluded forests, their hearts united in love. Time passed, and the goddess, her heart full of longing, desired a child. With her companions, she played with artificial children, delighting in their company. One day, the mountain-born goddess anointed herself with fragrant oils and rubbed her body with powders, letting the dust and paste accumulate. From this, she fashioned a figure—a man with the face of an elephant. The goddess played with this little son, placing him in the water. By the friendship of Shiva and Jahnavi (the river Ganga), the child grew vast in form. His body became exceedingly large, filling the world. The goddess called him “son,” and Jahnavi also embraced him as her own. The gods worshipped this elephant-faced one as “Gāṅgeya.” Brahmā, the grandfather, bestowed upon him the lordship of the Vināyakas. Once more, the splendidly colored goddess, desiring a child, nurtured a charming sprout of the Ashoka tree. She raised this tender shoot with love, performing all proper rites and auspicious ceremonies, with Brihaspati and the chief of the gods as priests. Then, the assembled gods and sages addressed the goddess: “O Bhavāni, you are Bhavatī, the auspicious one, born for the world’s benefit. Generally, people hope for sons and grandchildren, yet many remain childless, for fate decides all. Now you have shown the path; you should establish the proper order. What fruit can come, O Devi, from trees with only imagined offspring?” Thus addressed, the goddess was filled with joy and replied with auspicious words. She declared, “Whoever, in a waterless place, wisely constructs a well—each drop of water will earn them a year in heaven. A pond is worth ten wells, a lake is worth ten ponds, a son is worth ten lakes, and a tree is worth ten sons. This is my ordinance, established for the world’s benefit.” Hearing these words, the Brahmins, led by Brihaspati, worshipped Bhavani with respect and then returned to their homes. When they had departed, Shankara gently took Parvati by her left hand and led her inside. There stood a palace, delightful to the mind, with a grand gateway adorned with garlands of pearls and platforms crowded with wreaths of flowers. Its play-cave was charming, washed and polished, filled with the fragrance of scattered blossoms, and echoed with the cooing of intoxicated female birds. The inner walls resonated with the music of Kinnaras, and the air was filled with the unseen but enchanting scent of incense. Peacocks and playful women surrounded the palace, musicians filled the halls, and the cries of flocks of swans echoed through the space. Crystal pillars supported the platforms, and the place was pure, free from confusion, and often crowded with Kinnaras. Parrots struck at rubies, making them ring like bells. The walls, adorned with pearls reflected like pomegranate seeds, added to the splendor. There, in that enchanting palace, the goddess began to play at dice, enjoying her time in the company of her beloved.