Shiva and the Mountain Meet

Brahma said

The goddess whom the worlds worship grew up as the mountain's daughter. Born in Himalaya's house, the virtuous girl reached the age of eight. Girisha, pained by his separation from Sati, knew of her birth, and Narada, knowing it, he was glad within. Shambhu at that time was following worldly practice; he now resolved to do austerity. In the Himalayas there is an excellent place called Gangavatara, where the Ganga once descended, flowing from Brahmapura. She destroys all sins and is supremely purifying. With a few serene ganas, Nandi and others, he went there to bathe. Hara mastered himself, stayed there and began his austerities, fixing his thoughts on his own atman alone. His consciousness is the source of knowledge; he is eternal, of the nature of light, untouched by affliction, all-pervading, consciousness and bliss, without a second and needing no support. When Hara sank into meditation some of the pramathas meditated too, and so did some of the ganas, Nandi, Bhringi and others. Other ganas served Shambhu the paramatman, and others became doorkeepers, silent and without talk.

Meanwhile Mount Himalaya heard that Shankara had come to Oushadhiprastha and arrived there with affection. With his companions the lord of mountains bowed to Lord Rudra, honoured and worshipped him, and joyfully joined his hands and praised him.

Himalaya said

Lord of the gods, Mahadeva, Kapardin, Shankara, lord of the worlds, you protect the three worlds. Divinity, I bow to you. You take the form of a yogi and you are without qualities; I bow to you. In your play you become one with qualities. Dweller on Kailasa, Shambhu, wanderer of the worlds, I bow to Paramesha, who plays and wields the trident. You are a complete abode of qualities and free of change. You are without wishes, the one who gives up, the patient one, the paramatman, giver of inner enjoyment, kind to people. Lord of the three gunas, lord of maya, brahman, paramatman, you are fit to be served by Brahma, Vishnu and the others. Vishnu and Brahma are your own forms, and you created them. Affectionate to devotees, I bow to you. You practise austerity, you are the place of austerity, you give austerity's fruits and love austerity. Serene one, I bow to you whose form is the brahman. You set the norms for worldly dealings and conduct. You have qualities; I bow to Paresha the paramatman. Mahesha, your pastimes cannot be understood and bring happiness to the virtuous. Your form is controlled by devotees, you are subject to them, and you undertake karma. Lord, it is my fortune that you have come; you have become my protector. You are described as kind to the distressed. Today my birth, my life and everything has been made successful by your arrival. Maheshvara, know me as your foremost servant and command me. With single-minded intelligence I will serve you and gain great joy.

Brahma said

Maheshvara heard the lord of mountains. He opened his eyes slightly and saw the mountain and his companions. Vrishadhvaja, immersed in meditation and yoga, seemed to smile as he spoke.

Maheshvara said

I came to this secluded spot to torment myself in austerity on your heights. See that no one can come near me. You are great-souled and a store of austerity. Sages always take refuge with you, as do gods, rakshasas and other great-souled ones. Brahmanas and others always live here, purified constantly by the Ganga. You do good to all, and you are master and lord of the mountains. I will perform austerities here, at Gangavatara. I have mastered my atman and gladly taken refuge with the king of mountains. Mountain, let there be no cause of obstruction in my austerities. Best of mountains, that is what you must now ensure by every means. It is the greatest service you can do me. Make the effort, and when it is over return cheerfully to your own home.

Brahma said

Having said this, the protector of the world was silent. The king of mountains bowed to Shambhu and spoke.

Himalaya said

Lord of the universe, Parameshvara, I have worshipped you, and now I have myself come to you. You are in my kingdom and there is nothing I cannot give you. You cannot be obtained even when the gods make efforts and great austerities, yet Mahesha has come here of his own accord. No one is above me and no one's merit exceeds mine. You have come and will do austerity on my slopes. Parameshvara, I count myself above Indra of the gods. You grant fortune, and you have favoured me by coming here with your ganas. Lord of the gods, you are self-ruling; do your supreme austerities without obstruction. I am your servant and will serve you, and will always be there for you, lord.

Brahma said

Saying this, the lord of mountains returned quickly to his house and lovingly told his beloved what had happened. Narada, he called together all his relatives and companions and told them the truth: "From today none of you should go to Gangavatara. Let this be an order for anyone in my capital. I tell you the truth. Whoever goes there will be a scoundrel, and I will punish him specially. I have spoken the truth." Sage, he quickly informed all his companions of this rule. After that the mountain made excellent efforts; listen and I will tell you.