Parvati, the mountain-born goddess, spent her days in joyful play with her companions, delighting in creating and tending to artificial children. On one occasion, she anointed her body with fragrant oil, and, her form hidden beneath a layer of dust, she rubbed herself with various powders. Gathering up this scented paste, she shaped it lovingly, fashioning from it a figure—a man with the face of an elephant. The goddess played tenderly with this little son she had made, and, in her play, she placed him in the water. By the combined grace of Shiva and Jahnavi—the sacred river Ganga—the child transformed, growing suddenly vast in form. His body became so immense that it filled the world itself. Both Parvati and Jahnavi called him 'son,' embracing him with their affection. The gods themselves came to worship this elephant-faced child, reverently addressing him as 'Gāṅgeya,' the son of Ganga. Brahma, the Grandfather of all, bestowed upon him the lordship of the Vināyakas, the leaders of obstacles. Yet again, Parvati, resplendent in her beauty, played for the sake of having a son. This time, she nurtured a delicate and charming sprout of the Ashoka tree, tending to it with care. She performed all the proper rites and auspicious ceremonies, calling upon priests led by Brihaspati and joined by Indra, the chief of the gods, to ensure the child's welfare. The gods and sages, witnessing her devotion, addressed her with reverence: “O Bhavāni, you are Bhavatī, the auspicious one, born for the benefit of all worlds. Generally, people gain the blessing of sons through their children and grandchildren, but there are many who remain childless, their fate shaped by destiny. Now that you have shown the way, establish the proper order: what fruit can come, O Devi, from trees with only imagined offspring?” Hearing these words, Parvati was filled with joy. Smiling, she spoke auspiciously: “In a waterless region, whoever wisely constructs a well—even if only drop by drop—shall dwell in heaven for a year for each drop. Ten wells equal a pond, ten ponds equal a lake, ten lakes equal a son, and a tree equals ten sons. This is my ordinance, set forth for the benefit of the world.” The Brahmins, led by Brihaspati, received her teaching with respect. They worshipped Bhavani and, their hearts gladdened, returned to their homes. When the gathering had dispersed, Shiva, the great Shankara, gently took Parvati by her left hand and led her inside. They entered a palace delightful to the mind, with a grand gateway adorned with hanging pearl garlands and platforms crowded with fragrant flower wreaths. The play-cave within was charming and polished, filled with the sweet scent of scattered blossoms, and echoed with the cooing of intoxicated birds. The inner walls resounded with music sung by Kinnaras, celestial musicians, while the air was thick with the unseen yet enticing perfume of incense. Peacocks strutted about, and women played joyfully amid the company of musicians. The cries of flocks of swans filled the air, and crystal pillars rose up to support the platforms. The palace was pure and tranquil, often crowded with Kinnaras, where parrots pecked at rubies like living gems. The walls, inlaid with pearls that shone like pomegranate seeds, gleamed in the light. There, the goddess began to play at dice. Upon a floor as clear and blue as sapphire, Parvati and Shiva stood together, united in delight and enjoyment. As they played, a great sound suddenly arose within the house. Curious and filled with wonder, Parvati turned to Shiva and asked, “What is this sound?” Shiva replied, “You have not seen this before, O greatly astonished one. These are my beloved Ganeshas, always playing here upon this mountain. In ages past, through austerity, celibacy, discipline, and devotion to sacred places, these best of men pleased me. Now, they dwell near me, dear to my heart, taking whatever forms they desire, full of enthusiasm and endowed with great qualities. By my actions, I astonish even those mighty ones who possess the power to create and dissolve the universe itself. “Though I am always surrounded by Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and great serpents, O lovely one, I am never separated from my attendants. These are my beloved followers, who play upon the mountain.” So spoke Shiva. Filled with wonder, Parvati left that place and approached a window. Gazing out in amazement, she saw a multitude of forms: some thin, some tall, some short, some stout, some with great bellies. Some had faces like tigers, others the forms of sheep and goats, many with the shapes of various animals—some with flaming mouths, some dark, some tawny. There were gentle faces and terrifying ones, some smiling, some with dark and tawny matted hair. Some bore the faces of birds, others of many kinds of beasts. Some wore silks or animal skins, while others were naked or deformed. There were those with cow ears, others with elephant ears, and some with many mouths, eyes, and bellies. Some had many feet and arms, wielding divine weapons; others wore garlands of countless flowers, adorned with serpents. Some had wolf faces and carried weapons, clad in various armors; some rode wondrous mounts, divine in form, moving through the sky. Some filled the air with the music of lutes, others danced in myriad postures. Marveling at the hosts of Shiva’s attendants, Parvati turned and spoke to him: “Who are all these attendants? How many are they? What are their names and natures? Please, tell me about each one who stands here.” Shiva replied, “They are countless, numbering in the millions, each renowned for their unique powers. With these mighty and fearsome beings, the world is filled. In sacred places, on streets, in ruined gardens, in houses, in the bodies of demons, in children, and in the insane—these joyful beings enter, delighting in various foods. Some drink warmth, some drink foam, some smoke, some honey; some drink blood, some eat everything, some live on air, and some on water.” Thus, the goddess beheld the wondrous and diverse hosts of Shiva, marveling at the mystery and abundance of his divine attendants.