When the great hosts of gods arrived, the sage became deeply agitated and immediately began to bow before them in reverence. Acting swiftly, he welcomed them with the traditional offerings: water to wash their feet and hands, and fine seats for their comfort. Among those who had gathered were the illustrious Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Maruts, and the twin Ashvins. There, too, were the celestial musicians Viśvāvasu, Hāhā, and Hūhū, along with the venerable Nārada and Tumburu. The mighty serpent kings, led by Vāsuki, were present as well. The assembly also included the Yakshas, Vidyādharas, the presiding deities of planets, the oceans, and the mountains. All of these exalted beings, filled with joy, bestowed their blessings upon the sage. “May the god Paśupati ever be pleased with you, O sage,” they said. “May your movements everywhere be unhindered, O sinless one. May you live free from disease, immortal, and always happy.” Thus addressed by the gods, Nandī replied with humility: “Whatever is dear to you all, O joyful and best of gods, I am blessed by your benediction. I am always to be employed by you. Command me, for I am yours to order; therefore, O excellent gods, let me know your wish.” Then Śakra, the mighty Indra, spoke: “Let us all, O sage, behold the mighty lord, the chief among the gods—the immovable, fierce, and auspicious Śarva himself. Tell us quickly, O great sage, where that place is.” Nandī, remembering Paśupati, replied to Śakra with respect: “You are worthy to hear, O lord of the gods, O lord of heaven. I will tell you the truth as it is. On this Muñjavaṭa mountain, when I worshipped the steadfast one, he was pleased and departed from here. I am afraid to discover where he has gone. Let us diligently search for the Blessed Lord, O Indra.” Thus concludes the 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. Śakra, together with all the hosts of gods, assembled once more. Rising up from the great mass of rocks, all the gods began their search. They scoured every realm—heaven, Brahmā’s world, and the world of the nāgas. Yet, exhausted and greatly distressed, they could not find that sacred place again. Still seeking the Lord, they searched through mountains and forests, wandering among widespread groves and all the pleasure gardens. Nowhere did the gods find even a trace of Śambhu. Not seeing Śiva there, fear entered their hearts. The immortals, gathering together, sought refuge in me. I saw only one remaining path: to meditate, adorned with the resolve born of adversity. We had searched through all three worlds, except for the region of the śleṣmātaka forest on earth. “Come, let us go to that place, O best of gods,” I said. At that very moment, they mounted their swift-flying aerial chariots and arrived at the forest. There, they beheld many delightful and pure places, sanctified for the gods—hermitages nestled in the forest, caves hidden in the mountains. With Indra at their forefront, the gods entered, venturing into the hollows of mountains and the thickets of trees. As they entered a certain forest region, the gods themselves seemed to glow with radiance. On the sandy banks of a mountain river, they shone like swans, jasmine flowers, and the moon, the sand sparkling here and there like powdered pearls. There, upon seeing me, all the wise gods urged me onward, eager to continue the search for the Blessed Lord.