The assembly gathered at that most excellent mountain, whose slopes echoed with the cries of hundreds of peacocks. Soon, the celestial musicians Hāhā and Hūhū, together with all the foremost Gandharvas, arrived, their presence bringing an air of divine festivity. The mighty Anila and Anala, embodiments of wind and fire, came as well, joined by Dharma and Satya—personifications of righteousness and truth—and another Dhruva, steadfast among the stars. All the great-souled Guhyakas, mysterious beings of hidden realms, assembled there too. The gathering was graced by the radiant apsarases: Urvaśī, Menakā, Rambhā, and the enchanting Pañcasyā. Among the sages, Pulastya, Atri, Marīci, Vasiṣṭha, and Bhṛgu made their appearance, their wisdom illuminating the assembly. They were joined by Bhāradvāja, Agniveśya, and the venerable Parāśara. Marīci, Jamadagni, Bhārgava, and Cyavana also came, their presence a testament to the sanctity of the occasion. From the sacred rivers, Śatadrū, Vipāśā, and the revered Gaṇḍakī arrived, their waters pure and life-giving. Godāvarī, Veṇī, and Tāpi, foremost among rivers, were present as well. Nandā and Paranandā, along with the river Carmaṇvatī, joined the assembly. The mighty Sindhu, Puruṣa, Prabhāsa, and Soma, too, came forth, accompanied by many other holy fords and shrines of the earth. All these sacred places manifested in their own forms, sanctifying the mountain with their presence. The greatest of mountains—Mahāmeru, Kailāsa, and Gandhamādana—stood tall among the gathering, along with Vindhya, Mahendra, Sahya, Malaya, and Dardura. These lords of mountains, guardians of forests and ancient secrets, came together in unity. All the sacrifices, the branches of knowledge, and the four Vedas themselves were present, embodying the essence of dharma and wisdom. From the realm of serpents, Vāsuki, the most fortunate and nectar-drinking king of serpents, arrived. The mighty Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Kirmīrāṅga, and the illustrious king of nāgas joined him. Renowned in all three worlds, the wise Nahuṣa, lord of the sleepless, came—he with a hundred hoods, of many forms, like a mountain crowned with countless peaks. Vinata, the king of nāgas, as well as Kambala and Aśvatara, added their strength to the gathering. The serpent lords Karkoṭa and Dhanañjaya also appeared, their power unmistakable. Time itself seemed to attend, as Day and Night, the lunar fortnights, months, and years were present. With all the gods, yakṣas, and siddhas assembled, the summit of the lord of mountains became a scene of divine splendor. The assembly was beautiful, radiant with the presence of the gods. There, the gods and Gandharvas sang celestial hymns, while the hosts of apsarases danced gracefully. The winds were fragrant and gentle, pleasing to the senses, as if nature itself rejoiced in the gathering. He, together with the king of the gods and the other deities, became filled with awe and reverence, and immediately bowed to the assembled company. With great respect, he welcomed them, offering water for their feet and hands, and inviting them to be seated with honor. The Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Maruts, and the Ashvins were all present, as were Viśvāvasu, Hāhā, Hūhū, Nārada, and Tumburu. Vāsuki and the other mighty serpent kings, the yakṣas, vidyādharas, planets, oceans, and mountains—all these illustrious beings gathered together. With joyful hearts, they bestowed their blessings upon him, declaring, “May the god Paśupati always be pleased with you, O sage. May your movement everywhere be unhindered, O sinless one. May you, the mighty one, live free from disease, immortal, and happy.