As the auspicious occasion unfolded, a remarkable gathering took place. Nandā and Paranandā arrived, along with the sacred river Carmaṇvatī. The Sindhu river, Puruṣa, Prabhāsa, and Soma also joined, accompanied by a host of other holy fords and shrines from across the earth. Each sacred place appeared in its own divine form, and countless tirthas came together, their presence sanctifying the assembly. The greatest of mountains—Mahāmeru, Kailāsa, and Gandhamādana—stood tall among them. Vindhya, Mahendra, Sahya, Malaya, and Dardura, lords of the forests and peaks, gathered in unity. All these mighty mountains, revered by sages and beings alike, came forth to witness the event. All the sacrifices, branches of sacred knowledge, and the four Vedas themselves assembled, their essence manifest in the gathering. Among the serpents, Vāsuki, the fortunate king who partakes of nectar, was present. The lord of serpents, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Kirmīrāṅga, and the king of nāgas, renowned throughout the three worlds, joined as well. The wise Nahuṣa, lord of the sleepless, appeared—his form adorned with a hundred hoods, resembling a mountain with countless peaks. Vinata, the king of nāgas, along with Kambala and Aśvatara, and the lords of serpents Karkoṭa and Dhanañjaya, all came together. Time itself was present: day and night, the lunar fortnights, months, and years, all assembled in their own forms. Then, with all the gods, yakṣas, and siddhas having arrived, the summit of the lord of mountains became a beautiful assembly of divinities. The gods and gandharvas sang melodious hymns, while the hosts of apsarases danced gracefully. The winds carried fragrances and were gentle to the touch, filling the air with delight. Amidst this divine convergence, he—together with the king of the gods and other deities—became agitated by the grandeur and immediately began to bow in reverence to the assembled beings. He quickly welcomed them, offering water for their feet and hands, and providing seats for their comfort. The Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Maruts, and the Ashvins were present, as well as Viśvāvasu, Hāhā, Hūhū, Nārada, and Tumburu. Vāsuki and the other mighty serpent kings stood among them. Yakshas, Vidyādharas, planets, oceans, and mountains—all these celestial and earthly beings joyfully bestowed blessings upon him, saying, “May the god Paśupati always be pleased with you, O sage. May your movement everywhere be unhindered, O sinless one. The mighty one will live free from disease, immortal, and happy.” Thus addressed by the gods, Nandī replied warmly, “Whatever is dear to you all, O joyful best of gods, I am blessed by your benediction; I am always to be employed by you. Order me, for I am commanded; therefore, O excellent gods, speak your wish.” Śakra, the king of the gods, spoke: “Let us all, O sage, behold the mighty lord, the chief of the gods—the immovable, fierce, auspicious god, Śarva himself, O sage. Tell us quickly, O great sage, that place.” Nandī, remembering Paśupati, replied to Śakra: “You are worthy to hear, O lord of the gods, O lord of heaven, the truth as it is. On this Muñjavaṭa mountain, when I worshipped the steadfast one, he, pleased, departed from here; I am afraid to find out where he has gone. Let us diligently search for the Blessed Lord, O Indra.” Thus concludes the two hundred fourteenth chapter, entitled “The Granting of Boons by Nandikeśvara,” in the Glorious Varāha Purāṇa, within the section on the greatness of Gokarṇa. Now begins the account of the greatness of Gokarṇeśvara and Jaleśvara: Then Śakra, together with all the hosts of gods, assembled there, eager to continue their quest for the divine.