With gentle and auspicious words that gladdened the heart, the bashful bride was encouraged. The elders declared a blessed and most auspicious date for the wedding, one marked by all the qualities of a good alliance. The precise moment, known as Maitra, was chosen for the sacred event. The representatives of the groom’s party then spoke respectfully, “We shall depart with your daughter; you should grant permission for this.” The lord of the mountains, Parvati’s father, slowly dismissed the foremost sages who had assembled. These sages made their way to Mount Mandara, where, upon arrival, they again bowed reverently to Śaṅkara, Lord Shiva. All the three worlds, together with their companions, prepared to witness the glorious bearer of clouds. Hara, accompanied by Arundhati, performed worship according to the prescribed rites. At that time, the great gods—Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and Bhaskara—also came to see Hara. Nandi and his companions, having arrived, remembered and honored Hara, sitting before him with devotion. Just as in a forest where, among the sal and kadamba trees, a tree with roots bursts forth, so did the gathering radiate with divine presence. Then Hari, rising up, embraced with devotion and pressed close. Seeing the other hosts of gods, Shankara greeted them with respect. The Shaivas, the followers of Pashupati, and other devotees entered the abode of Mandara, drawn by the auspicious occasion. The blessed Sharva, Lord Shiva, then went forth to perform the marriage ceremony. As this divine procession unfolded, Surabhi, Surasa, and others stirred up a joyous tumult. Shiva appeared resplendent, wearing a lion skin and adorned with blue serpents as earrings. His matted hair was piled high, and, seated upon his bull, he shone brilliantly. The gods followed behind, led by Agni, the fire god. Brahma, the grandfather of all, proceeded beside the gods, riding upon his swan. Indra, the thousand-eyed one, together with his consort Shachi, bore a great canopy over the procession. Vishnu, holding the white conch in his hand, departed seated upon a tortoise. Sarasvati, the best among rivers, mounted an elephant and took her distinguished place. Those divine beings who roam at will gathered around Maheshana, the five-colored Lord. Prithudaka arrived, bearing fragrant ointments. The Kinnaras, playing their celestial instruments, followed Mahadeva, while the Gandharvas likewise approached the three-eyed Lord of the gods, wielder of the trident. The twelve Adityas and eighty million Vasus also joined the throng, as did twenty-four sages of pure vows. All were eager to witness the wedding and followed Maheshana with devotion. From every direction, mountains arrived, some bearing elephants upon their slopes. These mighty mountains bowed to Ishana, who was filled with joy at their homage. With Nandi leading the way, the entire assembly reached the great city of the mountain king, Himavan. Abandoning their own tasks, all present became wholly absorbed in the wonder of the event. Among the gathering, one woman, her hair neatly braided, approached facing Shankara. Another, without red dye adorning her hands, came to see Hara. Yet another, holding her collyrium stick, hurried swiftly to catch a glimpse. One woman, as if mad with longing, came naked to see Hara. A slender-waisted girl, frustrated by her own youth, reproached herself angrily. Amidst this wondrous congregation, Shiva, mounted on his bull, proceeded to the divine house of his father-in-law, ready for the sacred wedding.