I worship Shankara, Bhavani’s spouse, the fierce, the exalted, the luminous, the Supreme Lord; the indivisible, unbegotten, brilliant with the radiance of a myriad suns; tearing up by the root the threefold pains, trident in hand, accessible only to love.

O you who are without parts, ever blessed, cause of universal destruction at the end of each round of creation, a source of perpetual delight to the virtuous, slayer of the demon Tripura, intelligence and bliss personified, dispeller of delusion, have mercy, O my Lord, have mercy, O foe of Love.

O lord of Uma, so long as men worship not your lotus feet, neither in this world nor in the next is there any happiness for them, nor peace of mind, nor cessation of their miseries. Have mercy, Lord, who dwell in the hearts of all creatures and are the abode of all!

I know nothing of contemplation, prayer or worship, but at all times and in all places I pay obeisance to you, O Shambhu! Have mercy, my Lord and my God, on a wretch so sore beset by all the pains attendant on old age and rebirth!”

This eightfold hymn of praise was uttered by the Brahman to propitiate Shankara. To those who devoutly repeat it the Blessed Lord Shambhu shows his favour.

When the all-wise Shiva heard the Brahman’s prayer and marked his devotion, a heavenly voice issued from the temple again: “O noble Brahman, ask a boon!”

“If Lord.” Said the Brahman, “you are pleased with me, and if, my Master, you will extend your love to this wretch, then bless me, Lord, with devotion to your feet and then grant me yet another boon.