A fierce cry echoed through the halls, piercing and loud, like the anguished bellow of a cow. Alarmed, the assembly rushed in, demanding to know what had happened. Among them were the foremost of the strong, warriors armed and eager for battle. Andhaka, mounting his chariot, bowed slightly five times in reverence. Alongside him came mighty allies: Jambha, Kujambha, Huṇḍa, Tuhuṇḍa, Śambara, and Bali; Ayaḥśuṅku, Śibi, Śālva, Vṛṣaparvā, and Virocana; Śarabha, Śalabha, and the formidable Vipracitti. All advanced toward the fray, bearing a dazzling array of weapons, their hearts intent on war. But bound by the inexorable noose of Time and clouded in mind, Andhaka approached the great mountain Mandara. There, I addressed those who stood by your command, O Śailāda. Having purified himself by touching water, the illustrious one recalled the leaders of the gaṇas. Swiftly, they rose and bowed to the Lord of the gods, reporting all to the great-souled Śaṅkara. These assembled warriors were known as the Rudras—eleven crores in number. Among them were renowned doorkeepers, glorious in their service. Sixty crores of boys named Skanda had also gathered, called Viśākhas and Naigameyas, O Śaṅkara. For each one, O Lord of gods, there were as many mothers. These were the Śaivas, your devoted leaders of the gaṇas; countless gaṇas had assembled to aid you, your devotees born from the tangled locks. These excellent, great-vowed gaṇas had come to fight, including the Nirāśrayā, who had assembled before the Teacher of the world. The imperishable followers of the Bull-bannered One had arrived, mounted on birds. Bhairava, together with Viṣṇu, was worshipped as non-different by those devotees. The Gaṇas, led by Vīrabhadra, had arisen from your very hair, O Lord, and now stood ready to assist you; instruct them as you desire, according to your pleasure. The Blessed Lord comforted them with his hand and seated them. The chiefs, having embraced one another, bowed to the great Lord Maheśvara. Witnessing this most wondrous event, all the lords of the Gaṇas gazed long in amazement, their minds overwhelmed with bewilderment. Then, the lord of the gods, wielder of the trident and leader of the Gaṇas, spoke with a gentle smile. "That embrace you gave to the great Pāśupatas—tell us freely, O mighty one, about their form, knowledge, and discernment." He addressed all those Gaṇas, who pondered the mysteries of being and non-being. He spoke also of those deluded by ego, who reviled the station of Viṣṇu: "I am that Lord Viṣṇu; Viṣṇu is myself, the imperishable one. Therefore, by these tiger-like men, these Gaṇas endowed with devotion—by you, whose minds are deluded—I am constantly reviled." When these words were spoken, the Gaṇas addressed Maheśvara, declaring, "You are indeed pure, spotless, peaceful, white, and stainless.