Sūta said: Perfect knowledge, teaching of the Vedas, offerings to the gods, meditation, sacrifices, penance, charitable gifts, study of the Vedas, all these undoubtedly contribute to the devotion of Lord Śiva. O excellent sages, devotion results from thousands of Cāndrāyaṇas,[4] hundreds of Prājāpatyas,[5] monthly fasts and other holy rites. Those who lack in devotion to the lord fall into a mountain cave and undergo the results of their karman.[6] A devotee is liberated through his devotional emotion. O brahmins, there is no doubt in this that heavenly pleasures are not difficult of access even to ordinary men. by the mere sight of the devotee; what doubt then in regard to the devotee. It is only through devotion that Brahmā, Viṣṇu, gods, sages, and others stabilise themselves and attain strength and fortune. This has been stated by the lord himself while addressing Umā.