In that sacred place, clusters of ketaki and kunda flowers blossomed in abundance, filling the air with their gentle fragrance. Clear springs flowed, their waters as pure as split sapphire, sparkling and clean. The landscape was enchanting, radiant as Indra’s rainbow, and glittering like the palace of Kubera himself. Here, divine couples found delight, and groups of Apsarases danced in joy. The gardens were adorned with kalhāra flowers and were frequented by graceful swans and cranes. Herds of elephants roamed nearby, while the woods teemed with deer and a myriad of birds. In the caves, the melodious songs of Kinnaras mingled with the calls of other creatures, creating a symphony of nature. Streams of water cascaded down in torrents, flashing brilliantly in the sunlight, and the woodland garden was beautiful in every season, adorned always with clusters of vibrant flowers. Upon that delightful, splendid, and worthy mountain, the blessed Lord Sthāṇu—great god and bestower of boons—resided. He shone resplendent, compassionate to his devotees, together with Pārvatī, the daughter of the king of mountains. All who traveled in celestial vehicles would approach this unborn, imperishable god, and hosts of other deities descended to serve him. It was in this sacred realm that a sage, filled with longing to please Śarva, undertook severe austerities. With unwavering resolve, he stood with arms raised, unsupported, sustaining himself only on water, air, and fire. He offered recitations and flowers at the proper times, remaining steadfast in his vow and engaging in fierce penance. As the days passed, his body became emaciated and his complexion darkened, yet his devotion never faltered. At last, Śaṅkara was pleased. Then, the great Lord revealed himself to the sage, saying, “See my form, which is invisible, O child. I am pleased with you, O sage.” The divine form blazed with the radiance of a thousand suns, wreathed in flames and brimming with energy. His matted locks were bound together, crowned with the crescent moon. He appeared beautiful, about a span in size, yet with a hundred heads and a hundred bellies—smaller than the smallest, yet greater than the greatest. Beholding the great god, the ascetic was filled with joy; his hair stood on end in awe. With palms joined and head bowed, he praised the eternal Brahman: to the sustainer of the world, the three-eyed one, to Śaṅkara and Śiva; to the blue-throated, the terrible, to him who is past, present, and future; to the lord of hosts, the creator, the withdrawer, and the formidable one; to the dweller among cremation grounds, to Rudra, and to the bestower of boons. He offered salutations always to the Supreme Self, ever dear to his devotees. Bowing his head again and again, the sage offered reverence to the Lord. Pleased, the blessed Śaṅkara addressed the brāhmaṇa directly, saying, “O gentle one, I grant you all those boons, even those that are difficult to obtain. Whether it be the status of Brahmā, the position of a world-protector, or even liberation—whatever you desire, O eminent twice-born, speak it quickly.” With joy in his heart, the sage replied to the boon-giving Lord, “O bestower of boons, I do not desire the status of Brahmā, nor the position of a world-protector, nor even liberation. O Lord of gods, O Śaṅkara, since you are pleased, I long only for devotion. O chief of the gods, may I be ever favored by you.” Thus, the sage’s unwavering devotion was rewarded by the supreme Lord, who delights in the love of his devotees.