In the midst of playful water games, Hari gently pressed Shankara beneath the surface, and then, striking the chest of his rival, pushed Acyuta down as well. Their spirited contest continued: Hari scattered Shambhu atop his head, and Shambhu responded in kind, doing the same to Hari. So lively was their joy that their matted locks unraveled and came undone. Around them, the other great sages tied their hair together, joining in the merriment. Some pushed each other, while others shouted and even wept in excitement. Above, in the sky, the lord of monkeys danced and roared, filling the air with his vibrant energy. Those who sang delighted all with sweet melodies, performing ten distinct types of songs. Among them, a lady began the Lalita song, singing slowly and gently, adopting a fixed note imbued with all the proper qualities. Vasudeva played the mardala drum with his hands, adding rhythm to the celebration. Tānakā, Gautama, and others were present, and the singer was none other than the son of Vāyu, Hanuman himself. In the presence of this music, those who were weak felt strength return, and those who were feeble regained vigor. As the festivities reached their peak, the hosts of gods, sages, and Dānavas all fell silent, awed by the spectacle. Each deity then mounted their own vehicle and departed. But before Hanuman could leave, he was addressed: “O monkey, at my command, ascend the bull without fear.” The tiger among monkeys, Hanuman, turned to the blessed great Lord and replied, “O Lord, if I mount your vehicle, I would become a sinner. But I will sing facing you—behold this.” When Shankara, the god, mounted Hanuman’s shoulders, Shiva listened to the nectar of song and then proceeded to Gautama’s house. There, Gautama was honored at the time of the meal. As Hanuman sang, everything flourished; during his song, the minds of all were filled with wonder. Hanuman, youthful and gracious, sat in the midst of the assembly, with heads and hands raised in reverence around him. Seated in the lotus posture, he placed one foot in his cupped hands and the other at his mouth. His presence radiated from his shoulder, mouth, palm, throat, chest, and heart, captivating all. Shankara, with affection, took Hanuman’s head and bowed it down, touching his back with his own chin along the way. Shiva then crafted a necklace of pearls and placed it upon Hanuman’s neck, declaring, “There is no one equal to Hanuman in the entire sphere of the universe. O lord of all monkeys, your feet are the unmanifest essence of all the Upanishads. In the lotus of the great yogis’ hearts, the supreme, tranquil Hanuman abides.” Despite his devotion, Gautama lamented, “Even though I have worshipped you with devotion, O Lord, you have not revealed your feet to me. Both Hari and Shambhu are dear to me, yet I do not possess such fortune. There is no one else as dear to me as you, O Hari, anywhere.” Then Gautama bowed down to the great god and announced, “This midday has passed, and it is the time for everyone to eat.” Entering his house, he began preparations for the meal, adorning himself with many necklaces, neck-ornaments, sacred thread, and upper garment, and anointing himself with fivefold fragrant substances, armlets, bracelets, and rings, ready to honor the divine guests.