Recalling to his mind the glory of Shiva, Himachala reverently summoned the wise sages, and at once had an auspicious day, asterism and hour chosen and then got the exact date for the wedding fixed according to Vedic rule.

Himachala gave the note recording the exact time of wedding to the Seven Seers, and clasping their feet besought them to be gracious. They called on Brahma and delivered the note to him; and as he read it his heart overflowed with loving joy.

Brahma read the note aloud to all, and all the sages and assembled gods were delighted to hear it. Flowers rained down from the air, music flowed from various instruments, and in every quarter auspicious jars were placed.

All the gods began to make ready their vehicles and aerial cars of various kinds, fair and auspicious omens were seen and celestial damsels sang for joy.

Shiva’s attendants began to dress their lord for the wedding. His matted locks were formed into a crest and decked with a marriage-crown of snakes. He had serpents for his ear-rings and bracelets and smeared his person with ashes and wrapped a lion’s skin round his loins.

He bore the moon on his noble forehead and Ganga on the crown of his head; three eyes he had and a snake for the sacred thread. He had poison on his throat and a necklace of human skulls on his breast. In such unblest guise was arrayed the gracious home of all blessings!

The trident and the tabor adorned his hands. Shiva rode upon a bull to the sound of music. The female divinities smiled to see him and said, ‘The world has no bride worthy of such a bridegroom!’