After praising, “You are the slayer of the enemies of the gods,” he ascended to heaven. Meanwhile, the goddess bowed respectfully to Maheśāna and stood before him, her demeanor full of reverence. She remained for a thousand years, enveloped in a great delusion. During this time, the seven oceans became agitated, and the gods were seized by fear. They approached Maheśāna, bowed, and asked, “Why is the world disturbed like this?” The turmoil had overwhelmed the worlds, plunging them into unbearable agitation. Maheśāna addressed Śakra, “Come, let us go until this is resolved. Otherwise, he will surely seize Indra’s throne from the king of the gods.” Out of fear, knowledge faded, swept away by destined actions. Maheśāna went to Mount Mandara and settled on its peak. After much contemplation, they released the fire. Yet, the fire, finding it difficult to enter, fell into deep anxiety. At that moment, he saw a great, pure line of swans departing. Deceiving the gatekeeper, the fire entered Hara’s courtyard. Laughing deeply, he announced, “The gods are standing at the door.” Śarva quickly came out, together with Agni, O Nārada. Indra, the Sun, the Moon, and Fire all touched their heads to the ground in reverence. Maheśāna declared, “For you who bow in reverence, I will grant the highest boon.” The gods pleaded, “Therefore, let this great act of union be abandoned for now, O Lord. Let some god accept this excessive energy of mine.” They stood, as if sunk in mud, like a group of boys, uncertain and hesitant. Śaṅkara spoke, “Release your energy; I, Śaṅkara, will receive it.” It was as if a thirsty man desired to drink oil instead of water. After bidding farewell to Hara, the gods, restored to themselves, returned to heaven. Approaching the great goddess, they spoke: “He has been taken away, forbidden to bring forth a son from your womb.” Śivā, angered, cursed all the gods: “You shall be deprived of offspring. Therefore, your wives will not bear sons for you.” The ascetic summoned Mālinī, resolving to have her as a nurse. Pārvatī reflected upon the quality of the sweat she possessed. When Mālinī departed, the daughter of the mountain fashioned the filth into an elephant-faced form. Having created him, she placed him upon the earth and sat again on her auspicious seat. Seeing Umā, adorned with garlands and smiling gently, Nārada spoke: “I am laughing because, it is said, you will have a son.” Umā replied, “Hearing this, O slender-waisted one, this laughter of mine has arisen today.” Hearing these words, the goddess bathed at that spot, following the prescribed rite. Then Śambhu arrived and also sat upon that auspicious seat. Umā’s sweat and Bhava’s sweat, together with the water element, mingled there. Knowing it was for offspring, the Lord of the world was pleased. Rudra, having bathed, worshipped the gods and the ancestors, offering words and water in reverence.