The essence of the Vedas and the Vedāngas, in their deepest meaning, is the undisturbed knowledge of Śiva. Upon this earth and in the divine realms, the Śaiva liṅgas shine forth, O ocean of mercy. That liṅga—pure, divine, and radiant with unbroken glory—is mine. Merely remembering its name is enough to destroy all sins. Your Śaiva brilliance, eternal and imperishable, stands as the everlasting support of the worlds. Filled with devotion and curiosity, he meditated for a long time upon Śaṃbhu, who is seated upon the lotus throne. In time, he beheld once more the pillar of radiant light that was Śiva. Receiving Śiva’s command again, the lord sought to obey with all his heart. His body was marked with goosebumps, born from the vision of Śiva. In contemplating the yoga of Śiva, I remembered you with reverence. Supreme devotion to Śiva arose in you through your many austerities. Your deeds, undisturbed and pure, serve to purify the entire world. In conversation, in union, in play, and in mingling together, let the wondrous Śaiva manifestation of old be heard. At the dawn of the universe, both I and Nārāyaṇa were born. By our own nature, we arose and quarreled with one another. Between us, the urge for battle was exceedingly fierce. Why, then, does this battle arise between us, threatening destruction to the worlds? In that very moment, both of us, deluded, became intensely focused on each other. In the Vedas, my greatness is described as surpassing all. Indeed, every living being considers itself to be the highest. If I were to set a limit to myself anywhere in the universe—thus, having resolved in his mind, Sadāśiva himself—he surpassed all the worlds, blazing on every side like fire. Without beginning or end, he appeared between the two of us, afflicted by rivalry. Before us both, a bodiless voice arose: "It is Śiva alone who will discern the difference in strength between you two. If you both wish to see who is superior in strength, from beginning to end—" So, Viṣṇu and I, endowed with movement, stood firm to ascertain that truth. We both were determined to observe the extremities of that great column of light. In this way, we set out to measure it. Desiring to find its root, Viṣṇu pierced the very womb of the earth. Wishing to see its upper end, I rose upward into the sky. Appearing below, Agni beheld the pillar. He saw it as beginningless and imperishable, and, distressed, became bewildered. Exhausted and overcome by thirst, Hari could go no further. Even after resting, the Lord of Lakshmi, weary, was unable to continue his quest. Bereft of splendor, worn out by effort, I sought refuge in Śiva, the protector, lamenting the great folly born of my pride. For he is the refuge of all the Vedas, of the gods, and even of the worlds themselves.