Today, all my knowledge and the austerities I have practiced feel truly fruitful. After hearing the divine words spoken by the god, those who were present—having performed their ritual bath—were granted a wondrous vision: they beheld a body made entirely of light, the eternal form of Brahman itself. Yet, even in the midst of this revelation, a question long held in the heart arose: “I wish to understand the reason behind this vision. Though I have devoted myself to yoga for thirteen years, a doubt lingers within me—please explain the cause in detail.” Hearing this earnest inquiry, the divine one replied, “O sage, liberation is exceedingly difficult to attain without the swift worship of Mahādeva. Listen closely, O Brahmin, and strive with all your heart, as is proper. When I was cursed by those Brahmins, I felt a deep satisfaction. Know this, O best of Brahmins: one who earnestly seeks liberation at the time of the great passing attains it. Before the Liṅga, which is the very Lord of Liberation, you must speak, for the karma marked upon the soul does not easily depart.” Upon hearing these words, the Brahmin—foremost among the knowers of Brahman—spoke with joy, “By fortune you have come, O king; by fortune I have met you.” With these words, the king and the Brahmin together approached the sacred Mukti Liṅga. In that very moment, both their bodies dissolved and merged into the Liṅga itself. By the touch of this Liṅga, liberation is attained—there is no other way. Even one beset by sin is uplifted to the supreme state. What use, then, are austerities, gifts, or observances, if this truth is known? Even the hosts of gods, the Asuras, and the great sages do not truly know me, nor does Prajāpati himself comprehend my highest form. O illustrious one, the radiance seen in the form of the Liṅga is my supreme manifestation. Yogis, purified over many births, attain this vision by my grace. By merely seeing this, a person becomes stainless. Now, hear of the sage Atri, greatly fortunate, mind-born son of Brahmā. His son was Soma, and through the mothers’ lineage, Dakṣa was born. Soma had many wives, among whom Rohiṇī was the most esteemed. The other wives, having come together, spoke fittingly before Dakṣa. But Dakṣa, enraged and unyielding, remained steadfast in his anger. Thus, cursed by Dakṣa, Soma vanished in that very moment, abandoning his many forms and leaving behind only the eternal body of water. Hidden by Dakṣa’s curse, Soma went to the abode of Brahmā, the lord of creation, accompanied by the radiant deities. In Brahmā’s presence, they spoke repeatedly, offering their salutations: “O Creator, lord of offerings to gods and ancestors, protect us who have sought your refuge.” Brahmā comforted the gods with gentle and affectionate words, assuring them that the blessed Lord Vishnu alone could bring an end to the curse. Free from distress, they all approached Vishnu, the refuge of all. Together with Brahmā, the gods offered heartfelt praise to Vishnu: “Salutations to you, Hrishikesha, ancestor of the great person. O Narayana, Lord of the universe, we have sought refuge in you. Truly, you are our supreme god, the highest among the gods beginning with Brahmā. Without Soma, O Lord, the herbs on earth have perished.” Thus, the story unfolds, revealing the profound mysteries of liberation, the power of devotion, and the interwoven destinies of gods and sages.