That very Lord, ever worthy of worship—Sadāśiva Himself—assumed manifold forms. The assembled beings, filled with wonder, addressed Him: “O Lord, tell us the distinction of Sadāśiva.” In response, He revealed His own pure, stainless form to them. Before their eyes, the Lord appeared with a thousand faces, a thousand feet, and a thousand arms. All the weapons of the gods were seen established in His staff, and He was adorned with thousands of fierce and Vaiṣṇava emblems. He bore the banner of the bird, rode the mighty bull, and displayed the bull-banner, signifying His sovereignty. From Him, in that very moment, great hosts of Pāśupata beings were born. In an instant, His divine form changed—now white, now red, yellow, or blue. In another instant, He became Rudra, then Indra, then Śambhu, or even the radiant sun. This wondrous display amazed the hosts of Shiva and the other gods. As they gazed upon Sadāśiva, the god of gods, they perceived Him as undivided, one without a second. Those whose sins had been washed away, now undivided in heart and mind, heard Lord Hari speak: “I am pleased with you all, O virtuous ones, because of this knowledge.” He continued, “May the sin that arises from the perception of division depart from us.” Then, the Unmanifest One embraced all the leaders of the divine hosts. Just as the Mandara mountain, following the ancient scriptural course, settled at the center, so too did the mighty bull of Hara—its body covered in dark hide, shining with the color of autumn clouds—radiate forth. Upon that foremost mountain, Mandara, whose caves were inhabited by the Pramathas, the Pramathas themselves, filled with excitement, struck many musical instruments. Vinayaka, the lord of obstacles, traveling swiftly along the path of the wind, heard the sounds. He saw the great mountain Mandara and his own father, Hara. Vinayaka addressed him: “Why do you stand still, Lord of the universe? Arise, eager for battle.” Hara replied, “I will go to slay Andhaka; one must remain here, vigilant.” Looking upon Vinayaka with affection, Hara said, “Go, conquer Andhaka.” With great delight, Vinayaka bowed in salutation and reverently touched his father’s feet. Then, the names Jayā, Vijayā, Jayantī, and Aparājitā were spoken, and Hara said, “These must be carefully protected, O daughter of the mountain, with utmost attention.” Satisfied and eager for victory, the mighty wielder of the trident emerged from his house. All around him, his followers raised resounding cries of triumph. Auspicious, gentle, and fortunate signs appeared, foretelling Shambhu’s victory. Hosts of flesh-eaters and those craving offerings, thrilled and thirsty for blood, pressed forward. The green bird, silent, turned away and departed. The moon-crested one, smiling, spoke to the mountain and the others: “Here, O lord of the hosts, omens have arisen. What doubt can there be, O Mahadeva, that you will conquer your enemies?” He ordered the great lords of beasts to prepare for battle. Heroes, bearing many weapons, advanced like mighty trees uprooted by a storm. They set out to slay the Pramathas, wielding heavy, spiked clubs. With the Sun and Fire at their head, the hosts arrived, eager to witness the unfolding events.