Vayu's Arrival

Suta said

In that place the fortunate sages, firm in their vows, began a sacrifice and worshipped Mahadeva. It was wonderful, like the one the creator of the world held in ancient times when he wished to make the universe. After some time the sacrifice was completed with a great deal of dakshina given. Sent by the grandfather, Vayu himself arrived. The lord and god was a student of Svayambhu and had witnessed everything. The forty-nine Maruts were always with him, ready to obey. Prana and the other winds are like his horses; he drives them and they move in the limbs of embodied beings, feeding them. He has the eight powers, anima and the rest. His force moves sideways and fills the worlds. Born from space, he has the qualities of sound and touch, and those who ponder the truth call him the energy in Prakriti.

The sages, who had just finished the long sacrifice, saw him come to the hermitage. They remembered the grandfather's words and were very glad. All stood up and bowed to the one born of space, and they pictured a golden seat for him. He sat, duly honoured, and honoured them in return and asked after their welfare.

Vayu said

Brahmanas, now that the great sacrifice is over, I hope all is well. I hope the daityas who hate the gods caused no obstacles. I hope no transgression needed expiation. I hope the devas, the ancestors and your parents accepted the hymns and rites done by the sacred texts, and that you worshipped by the rules. Now that the great sacrifice has ended, what do you wish to do?

Suta continued

Addressed in this way by Vayu, who was full of thoughts of Shiva, the sages felt purified and replied humbly and gladly.

The sages answered

All is well with us today and our austerities have borne fruit, because you have come for our good. Hear an old account from a time when our minds were wrapped in darkness. Long ago, seeking higher knowledge, we worshipped Prajapati. We took refuge in the giver of refuge, and when we had worshipped him he showed us favour. He said, "Brahmanas, Rudra is the supreme cause and above everyone. He cannot be perceived, and only devotees can see his true form. Grace comes through devotion, and withdrawal from the world comes from grace. So to please him, perform a sacrifice at Naimisha, a long sacrifice for Rudra, the supreme cause. By his favour Vayu will come when the sacrifice is over, and from his mouth you will gain knowledge, which will be to your benefit." With these words Parameshthi sent us here. Fortunate one, we have been waiting for you. We sat and performed a long sacrifice lasting a thousand divine years, wanting nothing but your arrival.

Suta concluded

Hearing the old account of the long sacrifice from the rishis, Vayu was glad. With the sages around him, and to deepen their feeling and answer their question, the lord began to speak briefly of Sharva's glory, starting with creation.