The Devas after this signal defeat went to Brahmâ. Brahmâ and Vishnu knew what was to happen at Daksha’s sacrifice, so they had kept themselves aloof. When the Devas had related their mishap, Brahmâ explained to them that they had done wrong in not allowing Śiva to participate in the Yajna offering. There was no help now but to appease the Astral Lord, Who could destroy the Universe at His will. So saying Brahmâ himself went with the Devas to Kailâsa the abode of Śiva. He found there higher beings than men perfected by birth, herbs, Tapas, Mantra or Yoga and Yakshas, Kinnaras, Gandharvas and Apsarasas. The river Nandâ (Gangâ) traced its course round Kailâsa. High up on the mount was the abode called Alakâ and the garden called Saugandhika (sweet-scented). On two sides of Alaka were the two rivers Nandâ and Alakanandâ, sanctified by the dust of Vishnu’s feet. Alakâ is the abode of Kubera, the Yaksha king. The Kinnaras occupied the Saugandhika garden. Near it was a large fig tree (Vata) 800 miles (100 Yojanas) high, the branches spreading over 600 miles. Below that tree, the Devas found Śiva in deep meditation for the good of the Universe. Brahmâ asked Him to pardon Daksha and his followers who had slighted Him by withholding Yajna offerings. "Through thy favour let the Yajna be completed now. Let Daksha get back his life. Let the eyes of Bhagadeva, the head of Bhrigu, the teeth of Pûshan, be restored. Let the Devas and the sacrificial Rishis be relieved of all pain in their broken limbs. Since now, the remnants of Yajna offerings are all Thine. Take Thy offerings, and let the sacrifice be completed this day." Śiva replied with a smile thus: — "Daksha is a mere child. I do not even think of him as an offender. But I have to set right those that are led astray by Mâyâ. Daksha’s head is burnt up. So let him have the head of a goat. Bhagadeva shall find his Yajna offerings through the eyes of Mitra. Pûshan shall have _pishta_ (crushed or ground up things) for his offerings. In company with other Devas, however, he shall have the use of the sacrificer’s teeth. Let the broken limbs of the Devas be rehabilitated. But those that have lost their limbs shall use the arms of Asvinikumâra and the hands of Pûshan. So let it be with the Rishis too. Bhrigu shall have the beard of a goat." The Devas thanked Śiva for His great kindness and invited Him to the sacrifice. Brahmâ accompanied Śiva. Daksha regained life and looked on Śiva with reverence. He acquired wisdom and became purified in mind. The sacrifice was duly performed. Daksha sat in meditation and, lo! Vishnu appeared on the back of Garuda.