With deep reverence, all those assembled bowed before the great sage and stood with hands joined in supplication. In that solemn moment, the mighty Hara, filled with wrath, cast his fierce gaze, intent on consuming all the gods and asuras in the fire of his anger. So terrifying was his presence that, out of sheer fear, many fled at once, seeking refuge in the abode of Yama, Lord of Death. None could withstand the glance of Hara’s blazing third eye. The instant his gaze fell upon them, they were reduced to ashes. One, desperate to escape, fled falteringly, accompanied by the very southern direction itself, soaring into the sky in terror. It was then that Maheśvara, taking up the divine Pāśupata missile, stood revealed in the sky as the very embodiment of Time—Kāla itself. With half his form manifest above, Śarva was described as the personification of Time, awe-inspiring and supreme. The sages, filled with wonder, implored, “O foremost among sages, reveal to us his characteristics and true nature. By whom, O wise one, was the sky pervaded in this way, with such concern for the welfare of the worlds?” In response, the nature of the Time-formed Lord was described. The sign of Aries, ruled by Mars, was said to be his head; Taurus, presided over by the Moon, was his mouth. Gemini became his mighty arms, for he who stands in the sky wields the trident. The sign of the Sun was celebrated as the heart of this mighty Lord, while the house of the Moon’s son—the second house—was his belly. Libra, the second house of Venus, was declared to be his navel, and Scorpio, the second sign, his genitals. The Lord’s thighs were also praised, and his knees were said to be half of Dhaniṣṭhā and Śatabhiṣ. Aquarius, Saturn’s house, became his shanks, and Pisces, Jupiter’s second house, his feet. Thus, he stood in the sky, his body adorned with stars, pierced and freed from all pain and thought. The sages asked to hear in detail about the true forms and characteristics of these signs and their movements, and the places where they reside. It was taught that their movements and presences are found in grains, gems, and similar things. The Time-formed Lord moves among blooming flowers and along the banks of lakes. His dwelling is on the earth, with fields as his refuge. Among those skilled in playing the vīṇā, in the company of singers, dancers, and artists, he is present. The pair known by name and of dual nature are established as a sign among the zodiac. He is found in fields, reservoirs, and on secluded riverbanks. He dwells in hunters’ villages, mountain caves, and dark caverns. He moves through places of women’s pleasure and among reed thickets. O Nārada, he is present on city roads and in inns, and is found among poisons, cow dung, insects, and stones. He is the hero skilled with horses and weapons, steadfast among elephants, chariots, and the like. The makara sign moves in rivers and dwells in the vast ocean. The pot sign frequents gambling houses and remains in the homes of wine-sellers. At the same time, he dwells in holy places, in the homes of gods and Brāhmaṇas. This ancient secret, it is said, must not be revealed to just anyone. “I have declared to you this ancient, supreme, and pure tale, which destroys sin and brings the highest auspiciousness,” the sage concluded. And thus, Dakṣāyaṇī was his wife, and she bore him sons.