He who is adorned with every auspicious mark and bears all weapons, imperishable in his nature, stood resplendent. Around his chest hung serpent ornaments, and a garland crowned him; his waist was wrapped in a yellow deer skin. O great sage, as he appeared, the air was filled with the sounds of kaparda shells, clubs, skulls, bells, and conch shells, all resounding in celebration. After he spoke, those seated upon lotuses and others bowed reverently, each fixing their mind toward a single direction. Seizing the moment, he swiftly rushed toward Kurukshetra, his own hermitage. Upon seeing him, everyone gathered exclaimed, “Salutations, O Sthanu,” and sat down together. “O Lord of the universe,” they pleaded, “the world is disturbed; arise, beloved guest.” Hearing their words, the all-pervading, stainless one rose at once. He arrived, accompanied by the gods and Indra, all bowing with humility. The three worlds, enveloped by his great vow, were agitated and restless. Then, filled with joy, the gods made their way to heaven, their minds intent on their purpose. Rudra pondered deeply, “For what reason is the earth disturbed?” Looking about, he saw Ushanas, the treasury of austerity, seated on the bank of the Ghagavati river. “O Brahmin,” Rudra inquired, “tell me quickly what is causing the agitation of the world.” Ushanas replied, “O three-eyed one, I wish to know the auspicious science of revival.” Rudra assured him, “Therefore, you will know the science of revival in its true essence.” Yet, despite this, the earth, surrounded by oceans, mountains, and hills, continued to tremble. Rudra then saw the sage named Mankana dancing with great speed. Struck by the sage’s vigor, the earth shook together with its mountains. Rudra approached and asked, “Why are you dancing? What is your intention? Tell me, what satisfaction is here?” Mankana replied, “For many years I practiced severe austerities, subjecting my body to hardship, in order to exhaust my sins. Therefore, O foremost of twice-born, today I am truly pleased, for my heart is uplifted and I dance with a purified soul. But merely by striking there is no joy for me; indeed, you, sir, are heedless.” Then, ceasing his dance and filled with wonder, Mankana bowed low with humility and reverence at Rudra’s feet. Rudra declared, “This sacred ford on earth is supreme, equal in merit to Prithudaka. May it ever remain the foremost repository of righteousness, the Sarasvata, remover of sin and impurity. The Sarasvati is enchanting, vast, and flows with abundant waters. All these most virtuous places grant the fruit of Soma-pala. Whoever comes here will attain great merit and reach Brahmaloka, which is extremely difficult to obtain.” Having established the image at Kurukshetra, the self-controlled one attained Brahmaloka. Then, pure Shambhu departed for Mandara, his own abode. In solitude, he entered, his mind intent, united with the goddess for that very reason. Though Shankara dwelt on Mandara, let his form be described. Assuming a fierce form, he addressed all the Danavas: “Whoever brings that daughter of Madri swiftly to me, I shall grant his desire.” With a voice deep as thunder, Prahlada spoke, “My father is the three-eyed god; let the reason for this be heard here. Long ago, Mahadeva was worshipped by me for the sake of a son. The son, desiring a son, spoke these words to the Lord.” Then, for the one established in yoga, all became covered, and utter darkness prevailed.