After respectfully greeting all her relatives, she entered, her son by her side. Then, with clarity and skill in speech, she addressed everyone gathered there. In a voice that carried to all, she spoke of the matter concerning the maiden, saying it ought to be made known among them for the sake of Maheśvara. She declared her intention: without disregarding their wishes, she would give her daughter, but it was proper for them to offer their consent. All those assembled, each seated in their place, responded together, “Let the daughter of the mountain be given; for us, the chosen son-in-law is agreeable.” They affirmed that, having worshipped the ancestors and the gods, she should indeed be given in marriage for this very reason. They recalled the prophecy that he would slay the lord of the Daityas, Mahiṣa, and also Tāraka. With these words, the father turned to his daughter and said, “Daughter, you are now given by me to Śarva.” The bride of Śaṅkara, filled with devotion, bowed humbly in reverence. Encouraged by words of blessing and auspiciousness that gladdened the heart, she overcame her bashfulness. A blessed and most auspicious date, endowed with all the qualities of a noble alliance, was then chosen. The moment named Maitra was declared fit for the wedding ceremony. The party announced, “We shall depart with your daughter; you should grant us your permission for this.” The lord of the mountain, with due respect, slowly dismissed the foremost sages. Upon reaching Mount Mandara, they again bowed to Śaṅkara. Along with their companions, the three worlds prepared to behold the bearer of clouds. Hara, together with Arundhati, performed worship according to the prescribed rites. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and Bhaskara themselves came to see Hara. Upon their arrival, those led by Nandi remembered and honored Hara, sitting before him. Just as in the forest, among the sal and kadamba trees, a tree with roots sprouts forth, so too did this gathering flourish. Then, rising up, Hari embraced with devotion and pressed close. Seeing the other hosts of gods, Śaṅkara greeted them with respect. The Shaivas, followers of Pashupati, and others entered the abode of Mandara. The blessed Sharva went forth to perform the marriage ceremony. Surabhi, Surasa, and others stirred up a joyful tumult. Śiva, wearing a lion skin and adorned with blue serpents as earrings, appeared resplendent. His matted hair was piled high, and seated upon his bull, he shone forth. The gods followed behind, led by Agni at their head. Brahma, the grandfather, proceeded alongside the gods, riding upon a swan. Indra, the thousand-eyed one, together with Shachi, bore the extended canopy. Vishnu, taking the white conch in his hand, seated himself upon a tortoise and departed. Sarasvati, best among rivers, mounted an elephant and took her place in the procession. Those who roam at will made their way to Maheshana, who is of five colors. Prithudaka, bearing fragrant ointments, went there as well. The Kinnaras, playing their instruments, followed Mahadeva, while the Gandharvas made their way to the Lord of the gods, the three-eyed wielder of the trident. The twelve Adityas and eighty million Vasus also joined the procession, along with twenty-four sages of pure vows. All of them, eager for the wedding, followed Maheshana, their hearts full of anticipation for the divine union.