Determined to discover the limits of that wondrous column of light, both of us—Agni and Hari—set out to measure its vastness. Agni, seeking its root, penetrated deep into the womb of the earth, while I, Hari, desiring to witness its uppermost end, soared upward into the sky. Appearing below, Agni beheld the pillar of light, perceiving it as beginningless and imperishable. Distressed and bewildered by its immensity, he became exhausted and overcome by thirst, unable to proceed further. Even after resting, I, the Lord of Lakshmi, found myself weary and unable to press on. Bereft of splendor, worn out from my fruitless efforts, I sought refuge in Shiva, the protector, lamenting my great folly born of pride. For Shiva is the refuge of all the Vedas, the gods, and the worlds themselves. The very Shiva whom I sought had assumed the form of a beast, and now, by the awakening of my own self, I regained understanding. Knowledge arises instantly for him, born of the self and free from ego. Thus, I offered myself and took refuge in Shankara. By the true grace of the Lord of beings, I was lifted up again upon earth. My head spun, my eyes grew unsteady, my wings slackened, and fatigue overcame me. Yet I saw the pillar of light, massive like a linga, the Shaiva radiance worshipped by the gods. Desiring to see the supreme limit of Shambhu, I made every effort, even as my body neared collapse, but my ego persisted. When the radiance is beyond reach, such delusion proves vain. It was turned away by Shiva himself, endowed with unfeigned compassion. Whoever wishes to see the farthest limit of Shiva’s radiance—which surpasses even the smallest atom—must receive understanding from him, for then ego is destroyed. Hearing this, my ego was shattered, and I reflected within myself: knowledge of Shiva arises only by his grace. Yet again, the mind strives to gather up its own sense of self. I offer constant salutations to the perfected ones whose minds are surrendered to Shiva. I recognize this Shiva, standing before me, as the very cause of my own self. All the gods will ever become those who quell their enemies. I take refuge in Shambhu, unique in all the universe. Having gained a body, I sought refuge in Shiva, the moon-crested one, with devotion. We have taken shelter in the ego that arose from Shambhu, for Shankara is all the ego in both of us. This lord, always honored by the gods, is Sadashiva, made of the pillar of fire. Filled with devotion, I praised him, performing mental worship. Salutations to the great Shiva, the sole cause of all worlds! His radiance, pervading the universe, shines forth continually. This pure earthly linga is seen with the eye of the inner self. Yogis perceive within themselves that which is formless and without limit. Or else, the power of Shankara is real, subtler than the subtlest.