At that time the gods repaired to that foremost of god, viz., Shiva, possessed of patience of multiform aspect and endued with the foremost of qualities and sought his protection.
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु देवा देववरं शिवम्। अगच्छन् शरणं धीरं बहुरूपं गुणाधिकम्॥