O best of the twice-born, urged by a noble purpose, it was suggested that the lord of mountains, Himavat, should be approached on behalf of the divine. With the sacred utterance, “Om, obeisance to Śaṅkara,” the party set out for the abode of Himālaya. Among women, it is known that noble ladies understand the true path of righteousness, and so, offering salutations to Rudra, the lady departed with her husband. As they journeyed, they came upon the splendid city of the king of mountains, radiant and glorious, shining like the very city of the gods. There, the tranquil mountains—Sunabha and others—honored them with great respect. Entering the magnificent mansion of Himavat, which gleamed with golden brilliance, they proceeded until they reached the grand gate, where they paused, stopped by the doorkeeper. This doorkeeper stood before them, holding in his hand a great staff made of the precious padmarāga gem. They addressed him, requesting, “Announce to Himavat that we have arrived, seeking an important audience.” The doorkeeper then went to the king of mountains, who was surrounded by his mountain companions. Placing his staff in his armpit, he spoke respectfully, “Those who stand at your door are your guests, eager to be received by you.” Himavat himself came forth to the entrance, bringing with him the finest offering of hospitality. After the guests were properly seated, the wise Himavat spoke graciously, “Your arrival here is truly unfathomable and beyond all thought. Today, my very body is purified by your presence within my home. It is as if my house itself has become a sacred Sarasvata pilgrimage, sanctified by your sight and touch. Whatever your purpose in coming, please instruct me, for I am your servant, ready to carry out your command—let it be spoken.” The visitors then spoke to the venerable sage Angiras, conveying the matter at hand there on the mountain. Angiras, wise among sages, responded with a supreme statement to Himavat, the king of mountains: “Together with Arundhati, these guests have come to your abode, O mountain lord. Śaṅkara, the trident-bearing god, Śarva, the three-eyed one who rides the bull—he whom some call Yama’s lord, others Śiva, Sthāṇu, Bhava, or Hara—has sent us to you. The lord of the gods desires your daughter; you ought to give her in marriage. “By beauty, noble lineage, and wealth, she is most worthy, O best of mountains. You are her mother, O goddess, and Hara is declared her father. Let your foot, covered in holy ashes, be placed upon the heads of your enemies. Let the bride, mother of all the worlds, be given for your highest good.” At these words, joy arose suddenly in the assembly, but was soon followed by a wave of sorrow. Nevertheless, Himavat was instructed, “Go, invite all the mountains to a great assembly.” Accordingly, he summoned the foremost mountains from all directions—Meru and others. They entered, filled with wonder, and took their seats upon golden thrones. Among those present were Uddālaka, Vāruṇa, Varāha, and the seat of Garuḍa; Citrakūṭa, Trikūṭa, and Mandaraka mountain; Kailāsa, Mahendra, Niṣadha, and Añjana mountain. As they entered the grand assembly, the lady bowed in reverence to the sages gathered there. The auspicious lady, together with her son, approached the assembly, ready for what was to come.