In the heart of the forest, amidst the sal and kadamba trees, a tree with deep roots springs forth—so, too, does the story begin to unfold. Hari rises up, filled with devotion, and embraces warmly, pressing close in reverence. As the hosts of gods gather, Shankara, noble and gracious, acknowledges them with respect. The Shaivas, followers of Pashupati, and many others enter the abode of Mandara, the mountain king. Blessed Sharva, radiant and serene, moves to perform the marriage ceremony. Surabhi, Surasa, and other divine beings stir up a tumult, their excitement palpable. Shankara appears, majestic—clad in lion skin, adorned with blue serpents as earrings. His matted hair is piled high, and, seated upon his bull, he shines forth with divine brilliance. The gods follow behind him, led by Agni, the fire god. The grandfather of all, Brahma, proceeds alongside the gods, riding upon a swan. Indra, the thousand-eyed one, together with his consort Shachi, bears a grand canopy, extending it above with great honor. Varuna, seated upon a tortoise, departs, holding the white umbrella in his hand. Sarasvati, the best among rivers, mounts an elephant and takes her place in the procession. Those who roam at will, celestial beings, go to Maheshana, whose form gleams with five colors. Prithudaka, taking fragrant ointment, joins the gathering. The Kinnaras, playing their instruments, follow Mahadeva, filling the air with music. Gandharvas proceed to the Lord of the gods, the three-eyed wielder of the trident. Twelve Adityas and eighty million Vasus join the throng, as do twenty-four sages of pure vows. All are eager for the wedding, following Maheshana with anticipation and joy. From all directions, mighty mountains arrive, bearing elephants upon their peaks. They bow to Ishana, and he becomes joyful at their homage. With Nandi showing the way, the procession reaches the great city of the mountain king. Abandoning their own tasks, all become absorbed in witnessing the event, drawn by the sacred occasion. Among the crowd, one woman with her hair in a braid goes to face Shankara; another, without red dye, comes to see Hara; another, holding a collyrium stick, hurries swiftly; one, appearing mad with longing, comes naked, eager to behold Hara; and a slender-waisted girl angrily reproaches her own youth as she arrives. Mounted on his bull, Shankara enters the divine house of his father-in-law. Indeed, the severe penance performed by Ambika was fitting, for Shambhu, the great god, is its fruit. He is the destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice, the remover of Daksha, the one who took Bhaga’s eyes, the trident-bearer, and wielder of Pinaka. Salutations are offered again and again to him, adorned with great serpent earrings, beloved of Parvati. With a joyful heart, Vishnu, accompanied by his elder brother, leads the radiant bride to the auspicious wedding altar, aglow with the sacred fire. The mountains become restless, and the gods, engaged in worship and other rites, are agitated—much like friends eager for a maiden’s wedding. When the festival is arranged by her brother Sunabha, the bride is brought near to Shankara. Even the gods, together with Kushangi, behold the honored place, revered by the world. For sport, the daughter of the mountain joyfully scatters pearl necklaces, and afterwards, heaps of vermilion are poured, making the earth deeply red. Shankara approaches the southern altar, firm and attended by sages. Taking the purifying water in his hand, he offers the shining madhuparka, completing the sacred rites. Thus unfolds the divine celebration, watched by all creation, as the gods and beings rejoice in the union of Shiva and Parvati.