He journeyed to the place where the king of mountains dwelled, surrounded by the mighty peaks. With his staff tucked into his armpit, he spoke: “Those who stand at your door are your guests, eager for your audience.” Hearing this, the king of mountains himself came to the entrance, bringing the finest offerings of hospitality. After the guests had accepted their seats, the wise host addressed them: “Your arrival here is truly unfathomable, beyond thought. Today, my body is purified, for you have entered my abode. It is as if my house has become a sacred Sarasvata pilgrimage, made holy by your sight and touch. For whatever purpose you have come, please instruct me. I am your servant, ready to carry out your command—let it be spoken.” The guests then spoke to the aged Angiras, informing him of the matter at hand upon the mountain. Angiras replied with a supreme statement to the king of mountains: “Together with Arundhati, they have arrived at your abode, O mountain. Śaṅkara, bearer of the trident, Śarva, three-eyed, riding the bull—some call him Yama’s lord, others Śiva, Sthāṇu, Bhava, or Hara. We have been sent by him to your presence, O lord of the mountains. The lord of the gods desires her; you ought to give her. Through beauty, lineage, and wealth, she attains, O best of mountains. You are the mother of these, O goddess, for Hara is declared their father. Place your foot, covered in ashes, upon the heads of your enemies. Let the bride, mother of all the worlds, be given for your highest good.” Joy arrived suddenly, but then sorrow followed. The king of mountains was told, “Go, invite all the mountains to the great assembly.” He summoned the foremost peaks—Meru and others—from every direction. They entered, filled with wonder, and sat upon golden seats: Uddālaka, Vāruṇa, Varāha, Garuḍa’s seat, Citrakūṭa, Trikūṭa, Mandaraka, Kailāsa, Mahendra, Niṣadha, and Añjana mountain. Having entered the assembly, the auspicious lady bowed to the sages. Together with her son, she approached and, after greeting all her relatives, entered with him. Then, the one skilled in speech addressed everyone in a clear voice: “For the sake of Maheśvara, the matter of the maiden should indeed be made known among you. Without transgressing you, I will give her; it is proper for you to speak your consent.” All of them, seated in their own places, replied, “Let the daughter of the mountain be given; for us, the chosen son-in-law is agreeable. Having worshipped the ancestors and gods, she is to be given for this very reason. He will slay the lord of the Daityas, Mahiṣa, and also Tāraka.” The king then said, “Daughter, you are now given by me to Śarva.” The bride of Śaṅkara, full of devotion, humbly offered her obeisance.