Beneath a jeweled staff and a pure white parasol, radiant as the moon, the divine figure was seated upon a magnificent lion-throne, accompanied by his illustrious consort. His glory and form shone brilliantly, and his three eyes gazed out, encircled by ramparts that signified the Lord’s recognition and protection. It was as if the indomitable command of the Creator himself had arrived, as if Shiva’s universal grace stood revealed before all present. There stood the son of Shilada, bearing the blessed trident and the boar-weapon, chief among Shiva’s hosts, appearing almost as another Lord of the universe. He possessed the power of restraint and favor, even towards the creators of the world, his noble body adorned with four arms and the crescent moon. Around his neck was a serpent, and upon his head the moon itself, marking him with sovereignty embodied and active power. It seemed as though liberation itself had become complete, as if omniscience had taken form. Upon seeing him, the son of Brahma, along with the gathered sages, became joyful in their countenance. Rising with joined palms, he offered himself in reverence, as if to his very self. As the celestial chariot descended to earth, he bowed deeply like a staff to the god, praised him, and addressed the sages: “These six families have long been engaged in the Naimisha sacrifice, having come here by Brahma’s command, desiring this from the very beginning.” Hearing the words of the son of Brahma, Nandi, with merely a glance, instantly severed their bonds, granting them the Shaiva law, divine knowledge, and yoga. Then, he returned to the side of the gods. All of this was directly spoken by Sanatkumara to Vyasa, the revered teacher, and then by the illustrious Vyasa to me. Now, I have told it to you in summary. This jewel of a Purana, the ordinance of the ancient Lord, is not to be shared with those ignorant of the Veda, nor with unfaithful disciples or unbelievers; for, if given out of delusion, it leads to hell. But for those who, with devotion and proper conduct, have received, studied, or listened to what has been given on this path, Shiva certainly grants happiness, the gateway to righteousness, the three aims of life, and liberation in the end. Through the path of the Purāṇas, you and I have mutually benefited each other. Now, my desires fulfilled, I shall depart. May auspiciousness always be with us all. When the sacrifice was completed, the sages, having fulfilled their vows, at the end of the great rite, in the age of Kali, when people are tainted by sense objects, established their residence near Vārāṇasī. With the desire to be freed entirely from the bonds of worldly existence, having observed the vow of devotion to Paśupati, and possessing complete knowledge and concentration, they attained supreme bliss, beyond reproach. Thus, the Śiva Purāṇa is now completed; it is beneficial and should be recited with care and listened to with equal diligence. It should not be spoken to an atheist, one without faith, a deceitful person, one who is not devoted to Maheśa, or one who is only outwardly righteous. By hearing this even once, sin is reduced to ashes; the non-devotee gains devotion, and the devotee attains the fullness of devotion. By hearing it again, true devotion arises, and with further hearing, liberation is attained; therefore, those who seek liberation should listen to it repeatedly. One should recite this Purāṇa five times with sincere intent, aiming for the highest result; by doing so, one certainly attains it, without doubt. In ancient times, kings, excellent brāhmaṇas, and noble vaiśyas, by reciting it seven times, attained the vision of Śiva. If any person, devoted and intent on devotion, listens to this, after enjoying all pleasures in this life, he attains liberation in the end. This Śiva Purāṇa is most dear to Śiva, bestowing both enjoyment and liberation, equal to the Veda, and increases devotion. May Śaṃkara always grant well-being to the speaker and listener of this Śiva Purāṇa, along with their families, attendants, sons, and mothers.