But they realised that Śiva is the Supreme Brahman with Sat (Existence) Cit (knowledge) and Ānanda (Bliss) as the characteristics. He is the great Ātman and transcends the attributes.
Coming to know that Brahmā and Viṣṇu had been deprived of their pride, lord Śiva the great god became delighted and the lord assured them of his protection.