With deep reflection in his heart, Brahmā remembered what was needed and addressed the assembled gods. “It is declared,” he said, “that only through faith, knowledge, austerity, and yoga can the Supreme be truly known. Those who dedicate themselves to austerity perceive the whole, while the wise come to realize the indivisible Supreme. The yogis, endowed with the highest devotion, are those who behold the Supreme directly.” Therefore, Brahmā urged, “O gods, those among you who have not yet been initiated should now undertake the sacred Śaiva initiation. Practice austerity, and may blessings be upon you; let your minds be intent on worshipping Rudra. For at all times, He knows the hearts of all—yet the vision must be granted by my favor.” With their minds fixed on the longing to see Śiva, the gods spoke their desire to Brahmā. Hearing their words, Brahmā considered their request thoughtfully. Wishing to swiftly initiate the gods with the sacred initiation of Śiva, he instructed, “Let an altar be prepared here. We must worship Śiva, the one who is eight-formed.” Clad in humble garments, those who had bowed in reverence followed Brahmā with pure minds. The Creator then performed the sacrifice according to the sacred rites for the bearer of the crescent moon. By his favor, Brahmā inspired the gods to perform all acts of devotion with sincerity and without opposition. He bestowed upon them all that is prescribed in Shaiva tradition, including practices handed down through custom and conduct. Thus, Shambhu—the benefactor of all—was established and worshipped by all the gods. Their astonishment now set aside, Brahmā, the one born from the golden lotus, gave to them the sacred observances. These practices destroy sin, remove suffering, and increase nourishment, prosperity, and strength. “Therefore,” he instructed, “with all effort and concentration, bathe with sacred ashes.” All the gods took up water pots and adorned themselves with Rudraksha beads. In that forest, all who observed these vows worshipped the great Lord with devotion. Endowed with supreme devotion, they performed the highest rite. Their sins were burned away by the fire of meditation on Rudra, and they were blessed with prosperity. Even Brahmā himself, addressed in return, acted with devotion to the Lord. When a thousand divine years had passed, the Lord of the gods of gods appeared, surrounded by various hosts adorned with all manner of ornaments. He manifested in forms shaped by both desire and the absence of desire, fulfilling every wish. He was accompanied by divine powers beginning with aṇimā and the other yogic lordships. The Lord’s hosts appeared with fierce faces of tigers and wild beasts, as well as those of crows, herons, and bats. There were forms both formless and formed, beautiful and of many shapes. Some bore one, two, or three crests, and were adorned in diverse ways. Some had one ear, two ears, many ears, or ears that were deformed. Others had one leg, two legs, many legs, or were legless. Their bodies were fair and dark, dark and fair, black, and mottled. They carried spears, swords, pattiśas, clubs, and iron weapons. In their hands were maces, mallets, stones, pestles, and other weapons. The air resounded with the sound of drums, bhambhā, and bherī, as well as the music of vīṇā, paṇava, and flute. They played various instruments such as huḍaṅka and śṛṅgika, and many others. Surrounded by the lords of the gaṇas—most difficult to approach, like the Sun encircled by planets—the Supreme Lord was seen by Vyāsa, shining forth among Brahmā and the other gods of heaven. In that moment, Brahmā and all the gods beheld before them the leader of the gaṇas, the very embodiment of the Supreme.