Chapter 23 of 76 · Vayaviya Samhita · Overall chapter 411 of 464
Prayer to Girisha
Brahma persuades Virabhadra to relent; the chastened, chained devas praise Shiva directly, who forgives them, restores their mutilated limbs, transforms Daksha's severed head into that of a goat and grants him the status of a ganapati, before withdrawing with Devi to Mandara to resume their life together.
Vayu said
So, with Vishnu leading them, the devas were instantly brought to hardship with their limbs mangled. They were terrified and only a few were left. Urged by Virabhadra, the furious pramathas and ganas seized the brave devas and others, terrified in the battle. They bound those wicked ones in firm iron chains, tying their hands, feet, shoulders and bellies. At this time Brahma prayed to Virabhadra, who was devoted to the daughter of the king of mountains. By his favour Brahma had won his affection and become his charioteer. He bowed and prayed: "Illustrious one, enough of this rage. All the gods have been ruined. Excellent in vows, be pleased with all those born from the pores of your body, and forgive them." Asked so by Parameshthi Brahma, the leader of the ganas honoured his words, was pleased and calmed. The devas found their chance and used a mantra to the lord of the gods. They raised joined hands above their heads and praised him with many hymns.
The devas said
We bow to Shiva, the serene one. You hold the trident and you destroy the sacrifice. You are the fortunate Rudra, lord of the Rudras and the source from whom Rudras arise. You take the form of Rudra, the fire of destruction. You destroyed the limbs of Kala and Kama. You removed the heads of the devas and of the evil-souled Daksha. Because we kept company with the sinful Daksha, we committed a sin. Brave one, stained so, we have been punished by you in this battle. All of us have been burned. Lord, in truth we are terrified. You are our refuge. Please save us. We have taken refuge in you.
Vayu continued
Praised in this way by the devas, the lord freed them from their chains and had the immortals brought into the presence of the lord of the gods. The lord and divinity Bhagavan stood in the sky there with the ganas. He is Sharva who goes everywhere, Maheshvara, lord of all the worlds. With Vishnu at their head, the devas saw Paramesha. Though still terrified, they bowed before Maheshvara. Hara takes away the afflictions of those who bow, and he saw that the immortals were afraid. Mahadeva smiled and, glancing at Parvati, spoke.
Mahadeva said
Immortals, do not be frightened. You are my subjects. Out of compassion I took up the rod of punishment and showed you favour. You will be well. You committed a transgression, but it is forgiven. If we were angry, you would have no protection and no life.
Vayu continued
Infinitely energetic Sharva spoke so to all the gods, and they instantly lost their doubts. Delighted, they bowed and praised him. Their minds were no longer scattered but pleased and filled with bliss. The dwellers of heaven began to praise Shankara.
The devas said
You are the divinity who makes, keeps and destroys all the worlds. You are Parameshvara. The ones called Kah, Vishnu and Rudra are your own forms. According to differences in sattva, rajas and tamas you take these forms. You are present in all forms, and I bow to you. You conceive the universe and you purify. You have no form, but for the sake of devotees, out of friendliness, you take these forms. Lord of the gods, Shankara, Chandra recovered through your compassion. Unborn one, when he was covered by a cloud, he plunged into water and gained life and happiness. Lord, Simantini lost her husband, worshipped you and gained matchless good fortune. She kept the Monday vow and obtained a son. Divinity, you gave your own excellent destination to Shrikara. You protected Sudarshana when he was surrounded by kings and frightened. Ocean of compassion, you helped Medura and his wife cross over. Sharada was a widow, but you acted so as to give her husband back. You removed Bhadrayu's calamity and gave him great happiness. By serving you, Soumini was freed from the bondage of worldly existence.
Vishnu said
You are Shambhu. With the gunas sattva, rajas and tamas you are Kah, Hari and Isha. Wishing to show favour to people, you are maker, keeper and destroyer. You take away every kind of pride and make every kind of brilliance fade. You are the original secret in every kind of learning and you show favour to all. In truth everything flows from you. Everything is in you. Girishvara, you are everything. Please save us. Save us. I say it again, save us. Show me your compassion.
Vayu continued
Then Brahma joined his hands and bowed. Finding his chance, he made a request to the wielder of the trident.
Brahma said
Divinity, victory to you. Mahadeva, you destroy the affliction of those who bow. When offences like these are committed, who but you can be pleased? Please let those who lost their lives in the battle come back to life. When Parameshvara is pleased, who does not return? It is true that all these devas committed a great sin. But I think it is an ornament, given the weight of the pledge you will make to them.
Vayu continued
Submitting this, Parameshthi Brahma looked toward Devi's face. The lord of the gods seemed to smile. He was full of affection for the lotus-born Brahma, regarding him as a son, so the lord restored the limbs of the devas and others as they had been. The mothers of the devas had earlier been punished by Devi, and Girisha made their limbs exactly as before. To fit his crime, Bhagavan Brahma the grandfather gave Daksha the face of an old goat. He regained his senses and his life and became intelligent. Frightened, he joined his hands and praised Shambhu at length.
Daksha said
Victory to the divinity, lord of the universe, who shows favour to the worlds. Mahesha, have pity on me and pardon my crime. You are maker, keeper and destroyer, lord of the universe. I have come to know it. In particular you are the lord of Vishnu and all the others. You spread everywhere, pervade this creation and destroy it. Isha, there is none above you, not even Achyuta and the rest.
Vayu continued
He was anxious and afraid. Having committed the sin, he lamented greatly. The ocean of compassion looked at him, seemed to smile, and said, "Do not be afraid." Wanting to do a pleasing deed for Brahma, his father, Ishvara gave Daksha the undecaying status of a ganapati. Brahma and the other devas joined their hands and worshipped him, and in humble words praised Shankara, Girija's lord.
Brahma and the devas said
Victory to Shankara, lord of the gods. You protect the distressed. You are the great lord. Mahesha, show us compassion and pardon the crime we committed. You protect the sacrifice, you are its lord, and you destroy it. Mahesha, show us pity and forgive our offence. Lord of the gods, Paresha, you sustain the lives of devotees and wield the rod of punishment over the wicked. Lord, show us pity; I bow to you. You are the lord who takes away all pride. Lords are kind to the distressed and forgive them.
Vayu continued
So Brahma and the other immortals praised Mahadeva. The lord is affectionate to his devotees, and the ocean of compassion was satisfied. He showed favour to Brahma and the other dwellers of heaven. Shankara, kind to the distressed, was extremely pleased and gave them boons. The gods had taken refuge with him and Parameshvara was filled with great compassion. He showed signs of his favour and spoke words that calmed all their fears.
Shiva said
You acted like machines and did not give me my share. Gods, you did this because destiny controlled you. I can see you have taken refuge in me, so we have forgotten everything. You acted in an ordinary way. But you should throw off the sense of shame that crushes your minds. Hari, Virinchi, gods led by Indra, now go happily to the city of the gods.
Vayu concluded
So the lord of the gods spoke to the gods. With Girija, his followers and attendants, he withdrew from the place where Daksha's sacrifice was held. Standing in the sky, Hara vanished. The gods lost their distress and spoke of Virabhadra's great fortune and valour. With Maghavan leading, they went off happily in different directions to their own abodes.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.