Shiva's Departure for Kailasa

Brahma said

Narada, hear how Shiva went to Kailasa, best of mountains, because of Kubera's austerity. Having granted Kubera lordship over the treasures, he went back to his own abode, and there Vishvesha thought: "The form of mine that was born from Aja can do the complete work of dissolution. I will take that form and go to Kailasa, the home of the guhyakas. Rudra came from my heart; he is a full portion of the partless brahman, no different from me, and Hari, Brahma and the others should serve him. In that form I will be Kubera's well-wisher, live with him, play, and perform great austerity." So, following Shiva's wish, Rudra made ready to go. He beat his drum and it gave out a great sound by which he summoned everyone in the three worlds, and the sound itself sped their coming. Vishnu, Brahma and the other gods came, with sages, the agamas and nigamas in bodily form, and siddhas. All the gods and asuras came, with every festival, and all the pramathas from wherever they were. The leaders of the ganas, revered by all the worlds, came too, and I will give their numbers, so listen. Shankakarna came with a crore ganas, Kekaraksha with ten crores, Vikrita with eight, Vishakha with sixty-four crores, Pariyatraka with nine, Sarvantaka with six, handsome Dundubhi with eight, and Jalanka, the bull among ganas, with twelve crores. Samada and handsome Vikritanana each brought seven, Kapali five, auspicious Sandaraka six, Kanduka and Kundaka a crore each, Vishtambha and Chandratapana eight each. Mahakesha was surrounded by a thousand crores. Kundi, Vaha and auspicious Parvataka brought twelve each, Kala, Kalaka and Mahakala a hundred each, Agnika a hundred crores, Abhimukha a crore, Adityamurdha and Dhanavaha a crore each, Sannaha and Kumuda a hundred crores each, Amogha, Kokila and Sunmantraka a crore each, Kakapada six crores, the lord Santanaka six, Mahabala, Madhupinga and Pingala nine each, Nila, Devesha and Purnabhadra ninety crores each, and mighty Chaturvakra seven. Sarvesha came surrounded by crores and thousands of crores, hundreds and scores. Kashthaguda, Sukesha and Vrishabha came with sixty-four crores each; Chaitra, Nakulisha and Svayamprabhu with seven each; Lokantaka, Diptatma, the lord Daityantaka, divine Bhringi, Riti, handsome Devadevapriya, Ashani, Bhanuka and Sanatana with sixty-four crores each; Ganadhisha Nandishvara and Mahabala with a hundred crores each. Other mighty leaders of ganas, beyond counting, also came, each with a thousand arms, matted hair and a diadem, wearing the crescent moon, blue-throated and three-eyed, decked with necklaces, earrings, bracelets and crowns, like Brahma, Indra and Vishnu, with anima and the other powers, shining like crores of suns. Other great-souled leaders of the ganas, glittering with radiance, came gladly, eager to see Shiva.

When they reached him they saw Shiva, bowed and praised him in the highest terms. With Vishnu at their head they joined their hands and lowered their heads. Then Mahesha Parameshvara went lovingly to Kailasa with Vishnu and the rest, to the great-souled Kubera. When Shambhu arrived, Kubera honoured him warmly and, with his family, offered him many gifts with devotion. To please Shiva he also worshipped Vishnu and the other gods, the ganas and Shiva's followers. Shambhu, glad, embraced Kubera and breathed in the scent of his head, and settled with everyone near Alaka. The lord told Vishvakarma to build mountain dwellings for the many devotees, his own and others', each as befitted him, and Vishvakarma went quickly and made many. Shambhu was delighted. At Hari's request, and to favour Kubera, he went to Mount Kailasa and at an excellent muhurta entered his own abode. He gives joy to all, and protects those devoted to him. Vishnu and the other gods rejoiced, and sages and siddhas rejoiced at Shiva's consecration. In turn they worshipped him with many offerings, waved lamps before him and held great festivals. Sage, on that auspicious day flowers rained down, apsaras sang in their joy, others danced, cries of "Victory" rang from the sky, and everything was purified. Everyone was full of enthusiasm and happiness grew. Seated on his throne, Shambhu shone still brighter. Vishnu and the others looked on and served him as was fitting. The gods and the rest each praised Shankara, who benefits the worlds, in words of deep meaning. Hearing the praises, Shiva was pleased and gave them whatever they wished. Lord Sarveshvara gladly granted the boons they held in their hearts. Sage, then at Shiva's command they all went back to their own abodes. With Vishnu, I was glad to have what I had wished for. Shambhu asked me and Vishnu to sit, and with great joy Parameshvara favoured us and spoke to us in many ways.

Shiva said

Hari, Vidhatri, my sons, I love you most. Best of gods, the creation and preservation of the three worlds will always be your charge. At my command return to your homes. You will always be free of fear. I will look after you always and give you happiness.

Brahma continued

We heard Shambhu's command, bowed to him and went back to our abodes, happy in mind, Hari and I. Then Shankara cheerfully seated the lord of treasures, took him by the hand and spoke kindly.

Shiva said

Friend, your love has conquered me and I have become your friend. Go to your home without fear; I will always help you.

Brahma continued

Hearing Shambhu, Kubera was delighted and joyfully went home. With his ganas Shambhu stayed on Kailasa, the best of mountains. He engages in yoga and meditation as he wills. At times he meditates on his own self, at times he practises yoga, and at times, as his mind pleases, he tells Itihasa to his ganas. At times he plays with the ganas in the lovely places of Kailasa. He knows how to play and does so gladly in many ways. So Shankara Parameshvara took the form of Rudra, and though supreme among yogis he played on that mountain. For some time Parameshvara lived without a wife. Afterward he took Daksha's daughter as his wife and Maheshvara amused himself with Sati. Divine sage, he lived happily by the customs of the world. Lord among sages, so I have described Rudra's avatara, his arrival at Kailasa, his friendship with the lord of treasures, and his inner pastimes, which broaden knowledge and always give everything desired, here and hereafter. A person who controls himself and reads or hears this account gains pleasure in this world and liberation in the next.