In that sacred place, the blessed Lord, known as Sthāṇu—the great god and bestower of boons—abode in his resplendence. Ever compassionate to his devotees, he shone brilliantly, accompanied by the daughter of the king of mountains, Pārvatī. To this divine presence, all those who traveled in celestial vehicles would come, drawn to the unborn and imperishable god. Hosts of other deities, too, would descend, eager to serve him. Among those seeking his grace was a devoted sage, who, desiring to please Śarva, undertook severe austerities. With unwavering resolve, he stood with arms raised, unsupported, sustaining himself only on water, air, and fire. Ever diligent, he offered recitations and flowers at the proper times, remaining steadfast in his vow and immersing himself in fierce penance. As the years passed, his body grew emaciated and dark, a testament to his arduous practice. At last, Śaṅkara was pleased by his devotion. Then, the Lord revealed himself to the sage. “Behold my form, which is invisible to others, O child; I am pleased with you, O sage.” The Lord’s form blazed with the radiance of a thousand suns, wreathed in flames and overflowing with energy. His matted locks were bound together, crowned with the crescent moon as a crest-jewel. Though only a span in size, he appeared with a hundred heads and a hundred bellies, beautiful and wondrous—smaller than the smallest, yet greater than the greatest. Beholding the great god, the ascetic was overwhelmed with joy, his hair standing on end. With palms joined and head bowed low, he praised the eternal Brahman: the sustainer of the world, the three-eyed Śaṅkara and Śiva, the blue-throated and terrible one, who is past, present, and future; the lord of hosts, the creator and withdrawer, the formidable dweller among cremation grounds, Rudra, and the generous bestower of boons. With reverence, he offered salutations to the Supreme Self, ever dear to his devotees. Again and again, the sage bowed his head in worship, and Śaṅkara, pleased, spoke to him: “O gentle one, I grant you all boons, even those difficult to obtain. Whether you desire the status of Brahmā, the position of a world-protector, or even liberation—whatever your wish, O eminent twice-born, speak it quickly.” With inner joy, the sage replied to the boon-giving Lord: “O bestower of boons, I desire not the status of Brahmā, nor the position of a world-protector, nor even liberation. O Lord of gods, O Śaṅkara, as you are pleased, I long only for devotion. May I ever have devotion to you, who dwell in the hearts of all beings. Through the recitation of millions of Rudra mantras and with devoted worship, this is my sole desire.” Hearing these words, the Lord smiled affectionately and spoke sweetly: “With a pure mind, you have worshipped me with devotion. O child, devotion to the worship of my feet never turns me away. O great sage, you have performed intense austerity for a thousand years, accomplishing a most wonderful and exceedingly difficult act. All the gods, along with Indra, will come to see you.” In that moment, the sage shone with a divine, radiant form, adorned with celestial ornaments. He assumed the very appearance of Śiva, endowed with his energy, three-eyed, and supreme among all virtues.