Neither fire, nor wind, nor water, nor even the burning heat of the sun’s rays could touch or harm him. He remained ever adorned with fresh flowers, his youthful vigor unwavering and eternal. Even those men whose eyes had become inflamed with the fire of ascetic practices would, upon beholding him, find the stirrings of desire arising within. Thus, the gracious Lord Śambhu, with his boundless compassion, supported the trees themselves. When he descended to the earth, the very underworld trembled with his coming. It was as if those struck down by Indra’s mighty thunderbolt had fallen, and he was attended by tigers and wild beasts. In the heavens, the aerial chariots of the gods and siddhas, and the splendid cities of the gandharvas, were shaken. Even pigeons and sheep, in great numbers, appeared together once more, drawn by the commotion. The tremendous sound he made dulled all beings; it rendered them blind and deaf, so great was its force. The bodies and minds of all the gods and asuras were unsettled. Alarmed and seeking understanding, all of them—led by mighty Indra—gathered together, summoning their courage. They approached and asked, “O Lord, for what reason has this portent appeared before us? Has the end of the age arrived, with the ocean’s boundaries broken? Why is the earth now supported by the waters of the seven seas? Such a sound as this, which we have heard today, has never been known or spoken of before.” Thus addressed, Brahmā, empowered by the Supreme Lord, replied. “That which you have asked, O Maruts, listen now to its cause. With the tip of his nail, he cut off the fifth head from my own body. Then, taking a bowl, he went to Lord Nārāyaṇa and begged for alms. Thereafter, the Blessed One journeyed to Kuśasthalī, that most excellent and sacred forest. There, he blessed all the creatures of the forest, including those born from eggs. The skull he had held in his hand, he placed gently upon the earth. ‘You will see that one with the deformed eye; come, let us approach him together,’ Brahmā said. Having spoken thus, the Blessed Brahmā, together with the gods and demons, set out. Their hearts, though stirred by awe, were soon charmed by the sweet calls of cuckoos. All of them arrived at that wondrous forest, which resembled the celestial Nandana grove. The sight of that forest, with its trees heavy with good fruits and flowers, delighted the minds of all embodied beings. As they entered, voices proclaimed, ‘Here is the god! Here is the god! You have come, desiring to see him.’ Yet, when the gods reached the edge of that marvelous forest, they did not see him. A voice spoke to them: ‘Truly, you will see, but not without austerity.’ Remembering these words in his heart, Brahmā spoke to the gods: ‘It is said that only by faith, knowledge, austerity, and yoga can he truly be known. Those who are devoted to austerity perceive the whole; the wise behold the partless supreme. Yogis endowed with supreme devotion are able to behold the Supreme. Therefore, O gods, those among you not yet initiated should undertake the Śaiva initiation. Practice austerity, blessings to you; be intent on worshipping Rudra. In all times, he knows; but the vision must be granted by me.’ Their minds fixed on the desire to behold Śiva, the gods spoke thus to Brahmā. Hearing their words, Brahmā pondered deeply and replied, eager to initiate the gods swiftly into the mysteries of Shiva. ‘Let an altar be prepared here,’ he instructed. ‘Shiva, the eight-formed, is to be worshipped.’ And so, with hearts full of devotion, they began the sacred preparations.