In the realms of heaven and the netherworld, there exist rivers filled with dazzling jewels, yet these wondrous sights remain hidden from those who lack fortune or devotion to Śiva. For such souls, neither kingdoms, nor heaven, nor liberation, nor even food born of milk—those cherished treasures—can be attained unless Śiva himself is pleased with them. All blessings, all prosperity, arise solely from the grace of Bhava, Śiva. No favor from any other deity can bring about such gifts. Those who dedicate themselves to other gods, seeking their favor, are afflicted by suffering and wander lost in delusion. Within this understanding, a mother, dwelling always in the forest, laments to her child: “How can we ever obtain milk here? Where is the means for milk, my child? We are but forest-dwellers, far from such comforts.” Out of utter poverty and misfortune, she confesses, “I have given you this milk, but it is only water, churned and mixed to resemble milk.” She recalls how, at his maternal uncle’s house, the child had once tasted pure, sweet, boiled milk. Now, knowing its flavor, he remembers it and longs for it again. “You cry and cause me sorrow, saying, ‘This is not the milk that was given,’” she says. “But without the grace of Śambhu, you will not have milk.” She explains further: “Whatever is offered with devotion to the lotus feet of Sāmbā and his attendants—that alone is the root of all prosperity. We have not worshipped Mahādeva with wealth, so he grants the fruits as spoken, according to the desires of those who seek them. We have not previously worshipped Śiva here with the aim of gaining wealth; therefore, we have become poor, and you have no milk.” She teaches her son: “Whatever was given in a previous birth, directed to Śiva, O son, that alone is obtained. Not anything else, even if offered to Viṣṇu or another lord.” Hearing these words, true and sorrowful, the child was not distressed within. Instead, he spoke boldly: “If Sāmbā, the son, is truly dead from grief, and if Śaṃkara exists, then abandon your sorrow, O greatly fortunate one; all will turn out well. Listen, mother, to my words: if Mahādeva exists anywhere, whether after a long time or soon, I will obtain the ocean of milk.” His mother, greatly pleased and delighted by her wise son, responded: “O dear one, you have considered well, increasing my delight. Do not delay—always worship Sāmbā Sadāśiva.” She continued, teaching him the supreme truth: “Śiva alone is indeed supreme over all, the ultimate cause. By him, the entire world is created, and even Brahmā and others are his servants. We are servants of that Lord, whose prosperity is obtained by his grace. Apart from him, we know no other—Śaṃkara, the benefactor of the world. Abandoning all other gods, with action, mind, and speech, worship only Sāmbā and his attendants, with heartfelt devotion.” She revealed to him the heart of worship: “Of that god of gods, Śiva, the bestower of boons, the mantra ‘namaḥ śivāya’ is said to be the direct expression. All the seventy million great mantras, along with the praṇava, ultimately dissolve into him and again emerge from him. Those mantras, with or without grace, function according to their respective authorities; but this one mantra alone holds all authority, by the command of the Lord. Just as Shiva himself is able to protect all, whether inferior or superior, so too is this mantra always able to do the same. Indeed, this mantra is more powerful than any other; none other is considered equal to it in the ability to grant complete protection. Therefore, abandoning other mantras, devote yourself to the five-syllable mantra; when it resides upon the tongue, nothing here is unattainable.” She also spoke of the lower missile, the supreme means of protection for Shaivas, and the best ash she had obtained from his father, pure and perfected by fire, able to ward off great calamities. “I have also given you the mantra—receive it with my permission. By reciting this alone, your protection will be assured.” Thus, instructing him in this way, she uttered, “May Shiva be,” and departed, placing those words upon his head at that moment. After bowing to her and hearing these words, the boy began his austerity. His mother blessed him: “May the gods bring you good fortune.” Granted her permission, he undertook severe austerity there. Journeying to Mount Himavat, he remained focused, subsisting only on air. He constructed an altar with eight bricks and made a clay linga. There he invoked the great god Mahadeva, together with Ambika and his attendants, the imperishable one. With devotion, using only the five-syllable mantra and forest flowers gathered by his sons, he worshipped for a long time and performed supreme austerity. Then, as he practiced austerity, that young, solitary, emaciated Upamanyu, the best of twice-born, whose mind was fixed on Shiva, became the target of sage-demons. Once cursed by Marichi, these demons afflicted him with their powers, causing obstacles to his austerity. Even while tormented, Upamanyu continued his austerity, always crying out “Salutations to Shiva!” in a voice filled with remembrance. Just by hearing that cry, those who were causing obstacles abandoned the boy, and the sages gathered around him. Through the austerity of noble Upamanyu, the entire world, both moving and unmoving, became illuminated, along with the sages. Then, all of them, their bodies blazing, quickly went to Vaikuntha, and after bowing, reported everything to Hari, the best of gods. Hearing their words, the blessed Supreme Person pondered, “What is this?