Gathered together under the leadership of Indra, the gods assembled with courage, troubled by a mysterious omen. They addressed Brahmā, asking, “O Lord, for what reason has this portent appeared before us? Has the end of the age arrived, with the boundaries of the ocean broken? Why does the earth seem to be supported by the waters of the seven seas? Such a sound as this, which we now hear, has never existed nor been known.” Thus questioned, Brahmā, empowered by the Supreme Lord, began to speak, addressing the Maruts and all assembled: “Hear now the cause of what you have asked. Once, the Lord cut off the fifth head from my body with the tip of his nail. Then, holding a bowl, he begged for alms from the Lord Nārāyaṇa. The Blessed One then journeyed to Kuśasthalī, that excellent forest, and there he blessed all the creatures of the forest, including those born from eggs. The skull that was in the Lord’s hand was placed by him upon the earth. You will see the one with deformed eyes; approach him together with me.” Having spoken thus, Brahmā, along with the gods and demons, set out. Their hearts were delighted, charmed by the calls of cuckoos as they made their way. They arrived at that wondrous forest, which resembled Nandana, and seeing it, their minds were filled with joy. Everywhere, the forest was served by trees bearing good fruits and flowers. As they entered, voices proclaimed, “Here is the god; here is the god; you have entered, desiring to see.” Yet, at the edge of that marvelous forest, the gods could not see him. Brahmā told them, “Truly, you will see, but not without austerity.” Remembering this rightly in his heart, Brahmā spoke to the gods: “It is said that only by faith, knowledge, austerity, and yoga can he be known. Those devoted to austerity perceive the whole; the wise perceive the partless supreme. Yogis endowed with supreme devotion behold the Supreme. Therefore, O gods, those not yet initiated should undertake the Śaiva initiation. Practice austerity, blessings to you; be intent on worshipping Rudra. At all times he knows; the vision must be granted by me.” Their minds fixed on the desire to see Śiva, the gods spoke to Brahmā, who thoughtfully replied. Wishing to swiftly initiate them with the rites of Shiva, Brahmā instructed, “Let an altar be prepared here; Shiva, the eight-formed, is to be worshipped.” With humble attire, those who bowed followed him with pure minds. The Creator performed the sacrifice according to the rite for the bearer of the crescent moon, and by his favor, he caused the gods to perform those acts with devotion. He gave to those deities, and did so without opposition. All that is prescribed as Shaiva, and the practices from tradition and conduct, were established by the gods for Shambhu, the benefactor of all. Then, abandoning their astonishment, the one born from gold bestowed upon them the sacred rites. These destroy sin, remove suffering, and increase nourishment, prosperity, and strength. Therefore, with all effort and concentration, they bathed with ashes. All bore water pots and wore Rudraksha beads, marking their devotion and readiness for the vision of Shiva.