When the divine sage Nārada, glowing with spiritual brilliance, arrived and was seated with honor, the mighty mountain Vindhya addressed him with humility and curiosity. Vindhya said, “O divine sage, from where have you come, and for what noble purpose? Your presence has rendered my abode priceless, and surely, your crossing is for the safety of the gods from the Sun’s fierce power. Tell me, O Nārada, what is the unprecedented state of mind that brings you here?” Nārada replied, “My coming, O enemy of Indra, began upon Mount Meru. There I beheld the worlds of Indra, Agni, Yama, and Varuṇa, and the splendid dwellings of all the guardians of the directions. I saw the Vindhya mountains themselves, bestowers of countless enjoyments.” With these words, the son of Brahmā fell into deep contemplation. Observing the sage sigh and lost in thought, the lord of mountains, Vindhya, gently pressed, “O divine sage, what causes your sigh?” Nārada, radiant and gentle, replied, “Listen, child, to the reason for my sigh. Himavat, the father of Gaurī and father-in-law to Śiva, is honored among mountains because of his connection to the great Lord of Beings. Likewise, Kailāsa, the abode of Śiva, is revered among all mountains of the earth, a destroyer of sin. Mountains like Niṣadha, Nīla, and Gandhamādana too are honored in their own places. This golden mountain, which the Sun—soul of the universe—circles along with all the planets and stars, is the same. He holds himself as the best and foremost among mountains, thinking, ‘Among all, I alone am supreme; there is none in the worlds equal to me.’ Remembering such pride and arrogance, I sighed. Yet, for those strong in austerity, such matters are not concerning. I have told you this incidentally; now, I shall return to my own abode.” Thus, having spoken, the supreme sage Nārada, free to roam as he wished, departed for the world of Brahmā. But Vindhya, left behind, was seized by unceasing anxiety. His heart found no peace, and his mind was ever restless. He pondered, “What should I do here? How can I surpass Meru? I find no calm, and my thoughts are troubled. Fie upon my enthusiasm and pride, my fame and lineage, my strength and manliness, and even what the great ones of old have said!” Thus, Vindhya’s mind was filled with clear, yet troubled thoughts. A resolve, however, took hold of him—one intent on action, though leading to error: “The Sun always circles Meru, and that mountain, with the planets and stars, always rejoices. I will block his path with my own might. If the Sun is obstructed, how will he continue his course? If I block the path of the Sun and the day, what will happen?” Determined, Vindhya thought, “The proud celestial serpent will surely be humbled.” With this, he began to grow, stretching his peaks skyward, spreading his mighty arms to touch the heavens. He stood firm, his lofty summits towering, thinking, “When will the Sun rise? When will I block his course?” As he pondered thus, the night passed, and a pure morning dawned. The Sun’s rays dispelled the darkness from all directions. Rising from the mountain, the Sun shone brilliantly, illuminating the sky with his auspicious light. The lotus blossomed, the water-lily closed, and all beings began their daily tasks. The lord of rays, by dividing the day into morning, noon, and afternoon, increased the offerings to gods and ancestors, the oblations to spirits, and the prosperity of the divine. Comforting the eastern and southeastern directions, which had been separated and scorched like a beloved long parted, the Sun moved on his course. Leaving the direction of Fire, he turned swiftly toward the southern quarter. But suddenly, he was unable to proceed further. Anuru, his attendant, reported, “O Sun, Vindhya, grown proud, now stands blocking the sky. He competes with Meru, desiring the circumambulation you granted.” Hearing these words, the Sun reflected deeply: “How astonishing! Even the path of the sky is blocked. Truly, what would a hero not attempt when standing on a forbidden path? My path for the horses is blocked; fate is indeed stronger. Even Rahu, ever eager to seize me, does not remain for a moment. Even if the path is blocked for a long time, what can a powerful destiny not do?” With the way obstructed, all the worlds and their lords found no refuge or course of action. All, including Citragupta, who measures time by the Sun, were confounded. Obstructed by Vindhya, what a reversal of fate! When the Sun was blocked by the mountain out of rivalry, the sacred utterances of svāhā and svadhā were lost, and the world nearly perished. The western and southern regions slipped into night, while the eastern and northern regions were scorched by relentless heat. Creatures died, were lost, destroyed, and perished. The whole world was filled with lamentation, deprived of offerings to ancestors and gods. The gods, with Indra at their head, were greatly disturbed and cried, “What shall we do?” In their distress, all the hosts of gods, led by Mahendra and accompanied by Brahmā, approached Rudra—the Lord of gods, Dweller on the Mountain, adorned with the crescent moon. With reverent bows, hymns, and splendid praises, they sought refuge in him, hoping for deliverance from the calamity that had befallen the worlds.