The Blessed Lord, with infinite compassion, bestowed his blessings upon all the creatures of the forest, including those born from eggs. Then, the skull that had been in the Lord’s hand was gently placed upon the earth by him. Turning to his companions, the Lord declared, “You will see that deformed-eyed one; approach him together with me.” Having spoken thus, the revered Brahmā, accompanied by the gods and demons, set forth. Their hearts, filled with delight, were charmed by the melodious calls of cuckoos echoing through the woods. They arrived at a forest so wondrous, it rivaled the celestial Nandana. Its beauty captivated all who beheld it, for everywhere it was adorned with trees bearing luscious fruits and fragrant flowers, bringing joy to the minds of embodied beings. 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 magnificent forest, the gods found themselves unable to see him. The Lord assured them, “Truly, you will see, but not without austerity.” Brahmā, pondering these words in his heart, 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 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 earnestly to Brahmā. Hearing their words, Brahmā replied thoughtfully. Wishing to swiftly initiate the gods with Shiva’s sacred initiation, he instructed: “Let an altar be prepared here; Shiva, the eight-formed, is to be worshipped.” Clad in humble attire and with pure minds, those who had bowed followed Brahmā. The Creator performed the sacrifice according to the rite for the bearer of the crescent moon. By Brahmā’s favor, the gods performed these acts with deep devotion. He bestowed upon them all that was prescribed in the Shaiva tradition, including practices rooted in ancient conduct. Shambhu, benefactor of all, was established by the gods with reverence. Then, setting aside their astonishment, the one born from gold—Brahmā—gave to them what was required. The rites and blessings he bestowed destroyed sin, removed suffering, and increased nourishment, prosperity, and strength. He instructed them: “Therefore, with all effort and concentration, bathe with ashes.” All of them carried water pots and wore Rudraksha beads. Thus, observing vows in that sacred forest, they worshipped the great Lord. Endowed with supreme devotion, performing the highest rite, their sins were burned away by the fire of meditation upon Rudra, and prosperity flowed to them. Even Brahmā, addressed in return, acted with devotion to the Lord. When a thousand divine years had passed, the Lord of the gods of gods appeared, accompanied by various hosts adorned with diverse ornaments. He manifested in forms shaped by both desire and absence of desire, fulfilling every wish. He displayed divine powers beginning with aṇimā and the rest, along with the yogic lordships by their names. His hosts bore fierce faces of tigers and wild beasts, and also those of crows, herons, and bats. There were forms both formless and formed, beautiful and of many shapes, a wondrous display of divinity in all its splendor.