A wondrous vision appeared before the ascetic: a form blazing with the radiance of a thousand suns, wreathed in flames and surging with boundless energy. The great being’s matted locks were tightly bound and crowned with the crescent moon as a shining crest-jewel. Though his form was beautiful and measured only a span in size, he possessed a hundred heads and a hundred bellies—an awe-inspiring sight. He was at once smaller than the smallest and greater than the greatest, embodying the paradox of the infinite. Overwhelmed by the splendor of the great god, the ascetic’s hair stood on end and his heart filled with joy. With joined palms and his head bowed low, he offered heartfelt praise to the eternal Brahman. He worshipped the sustainer of the world, the three-eyed one, Śaṅkara, Śiva, the blue-throated Lord, the formidable and terrible one who transcends past, present, and future. He saluted the lord of hosts, the creator and withdrawer, the dweller among cremation grounds, Rudra, the bestower of boons. With deep reverence, he offered salutations again and again to the Supreme Self, ever dear to his devotees. Bowing repeatedly, the ascetic honored the Lord. Pleased, the blessed Śaṅkara spoke directly to the brāhmaṇa, bestowing his grace: “O gentle one, I grant you all boons, even those most difficult to attain. Whether you desire the status of Brahmā, the position of a world-protector, or even liberation itself—whatever you wish, O eminent twice-born, speak it quickly.” With joy shining in his heart, the ascetic replied, “O bestower of boons, I seek neither the status of Brahmā, nor the role of world-protector, nor even liberation. O Lord of gods, O Śaṅkara, as you are pleased, I long for devotion to you. May I be favored by you, O chief of the gods. This is my only desire: devotion to you, who dwell in the hearts of all beings. Through the recitation of millions of Rudra mantras and by devoted worship, let this be my boon.” Śiva, smiling with affection, answered him with sweet words: “O child, with a pure mind you have worshipped me with devotion. Devotion to my feet never turns me away. O great sage, you have performed intense austerities for a full thousand years. You have accomplished a most wonderful and exceedingly difficult act. All the gods, along with Indra, will come to see you. “You shall possess a divine, radiant form, adorned with celestial ornaments. Assuming my appearance, endowed with my energy, three-eyed, and supreme among all virtues, you shall be freed from old age and death in this very body. You will be foremost among my attendants, O best of the twice-born. You have attained the eightfold excellence and sovereignty, O possessor of austerity. From this day forward, you shall be preeminent among the gods in all divine undertakings. All beings everywhere will worship you alone. You will always be the bestower of boons to those who seek them, and the sustainer of the world. Whoever hates you, hates me; whoever follows you, follows me. “You must always stand at the southern gate, O lord of the hosts. From today, you shall be the doorkeeper at all times, O best of the gods. Not by the thunderbolt, nor by the staff, nor by the discus, nor by fire—shall you be overcome.” Thus, the ascetic’s devotion was rewarded, and by the grace of Śiva, he was exalted among the gods, a radiant and eternal attendant, cherished by all.