From that time onward, the gods, led by Śakra and accompanied by Viṣṇu, took counsel together. Among them was a Siddha who, having exhausted his austerities, had fallen from heaven. My own foot, wounded and bleeding, had left a trail of blood that circled my very creator, marking the great circumambulatory path, which was now struck and scattered by fragments of stone. Within the groves of wish-fulfilling trees, perched high on jeweled mountain peaks, there exists a place where, by showing reverence according to one’s ability, a person finds fulfillment. It was there that the Supreme Lord, out of compassion, had previously spoken to me, imparting wisdom. In these sacred environs, a spider weaves its webs, appearing in certain places before me; an elephant, overcome by thirst, releases honey in some spots; and sinless worms crawl beside me. Whoever keeps the lamp’s flame unbroken, even for a moment, is blessed. A green bird has arrived, nesting in a branch near me, and cows are sprinkled by streams, stirred by the memory of their calves. A crow, eager for offerings, is driven by the wind of its own wings, while a mouse in my cave drags clusters of jewels. Even sages and gods desire to assume the form of a shade-giving tree in this place. There stand the tower, the peak, the hall, the pavilion, and even the pond—each sacred and wondrous. Yet, this fiery linga of mine remains forever unattainable by mortals. Through sight, touch, and meditation, the entire world is revealed as my own being. The sole mother of all worlds has attained eternal youth; in an instant, as living beings dwelled here, he was present—the support of immeasurable virtues, the giver of desired boons to those who seek him. Having attained your wish, O virtuous one, you will again take refuge in Śambhu. Not only does your austerity grant you the fruit you desire, but even the gods perform austerities, suspecting some other purpose. And we too, dwelling together with you and observing your vow, share in this sacred pursuit. Thus, upon hearing the sage’s words, full of meaning, she pondered deeply. “What other austerity should be done, now that your vision has been gained?” they asked. “Oh, the wonder of the earth, for by it, sights greater than heaven have been seen.” By Śiva’s grace, my wish is fulfilled; the place of my own self has been revealed. May my unity with the god always remain inseparable. Then, in the presence of Gautama, awareness awakened within her, and she prepared to act with reverence. Her body was delicate, her eyes like lotuses, her upper garment shaped by her full, high breasts. With many disciplines, special austerities, and sacrifices, she attained wondrous states of yogic union. Though she engaged in various austerities, the slender one never experienced fatigue. Bowing to Gaurī as she performed her austerities, the gods, distressed, sought her refuge. Overcome by fear, they implored, “O goddess, grant us freedom from fear!” They revealed to her that their fear was caused by the lord of the demons, who had brought all the directional elephants, headed by Airavata, into his own palace, keeping them there for his amusement, accompanied by women.