For the highest good, the bride—the mother of all the worlds—was to be given. Joy arrived swiftly, yet sorrow followed in its wake, a reminder of the ever-changing tides of fortune. At this moment, a command was issued: go forth and invite all the mountains to a grand assembly. The foremost among them—Meru and others—were summoned from every direction. Filled with wonder, they entered and took their places upon golden seats. Among those present were Uddālaka, Vāruṇa, Varāha, and the seat of Garuḍa; Citrakūṭa, Trikūṭa, and Mandaraka mountain; Kailāsa, Mahendra, Niṣadha, and Añjana mountain. Into this august gathering entered the auspicious lady, accompanied by her son. With reverence, she bowed to the sages assembled there. Greeting her relatives, she entered gracefully with her son by her side. Then, one skilled in speech addressed the assembly in a clear, resonant voice. “For the sake of Maheśvara,” he proclaimed, “the matter of the maiden must be made known among you. Without transgressing your wishes, I will give her. It is proper for you to speak your consent.” Seated in their own places, all responded: “Let the daughter of the mountain be given. For us, the chosen son-in-law is agreeable. Having worshipped ancestors and gods, she is to be given for this very reason. He will slay the lord of the Daityas, Mahiṣa, and Tāraka.” With these words, the father declared, “Daughter, you are now given by me to Śarva.” The bride of Śaṅkara, full of devotion, humbly offered her obeisance. Encouraging the bashful maiden with auspicious words that gladdened the heart, a blessed and most auspicious date—endowed with all the qualities of a good alliance—was chosen. The moment named Maitra was declared for the event. “We shall depart with your daughter,” said the assembly. “You should grant permission for this.” The lord of the mountain slowly dismissed the foremost sages. Reaching Mount Mandara, they bowed again to Śaṅkara. Along with their companions, the three worlds would witness the bearer of clouds. Hara, together with Arundhati, performed worship according to the prescribed rite. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and Bhaskara also arrived, eager to see Hara. Those headed by Nandi remembered and honored Hara, sitting before him. Just as in the forest, among sal and kadamba trees, a tree with roots sprouts forth, so did auspiciousness blossom in that sacred gathering. Then, rising up, Hari embraced with devotion and pressed close. Seeing the other hosts of gods, Shankara showed them respect. The Shaivas, followers of Pashupati, and others entered Mandara’s abode. The blessed Sharva proceeded to perform the marriage ceremony. Surabhi, Surasa, and others stirred up a joyful tumult. Shankara wore a lion skin, adorned with blue serpents as earrings. His matted hair was piled high, and seated upon his bull, he shone forth. The gods followed behind, led by Agni. The grandfather, Brahma, rode beside the gods, proceeding on a swan. Thus, in reverence and joy, the divine marriage unfolded, witnessed by the assembled gods and mountains, a moment of cosmic significance and auspiciousness.