Having obtained a body, I turned my devotion wholly toward Shiva, the moon-crested Lord, seeking his refuge with all my heart. Along with me, we both took shelter in the very sense of self—this ego—that has arisen from Shambhu himself. Indeed, Shankara is the source and substance of all ego within us, for he pervades our very being. This Lord, always honored by the gods, is none other than Sadashiva, whose essence is the eternal pillar of fire. With my mind filled with devotion, I began to worship him, offering heartfelt praises. I bowed to the great Shiva, the sole cause of all worlds, saluting his infinite glory. His radiance, which pervades the entire universe, shines forth without ceasing. The pure earthly liṅga, the sign of his presence, is perceived not with the outer eyes, but with the eye of the inner self. Yogis, turning inward, perceive within themselves that which is formless and without limit, the true reality. Yet, even so, the power of Shankara is real and subtler than the subtlest. Through his compassion, even the smallest among beings becomes a vessel of grace and certainly attains greatness. O Lord, O great God, we beseech you—be gracious, for you surpass all the worlds. Having made this humble request, bowing again and again, then Vishnu, his voice deep as a newly formed cloud, spoke forth: “Victory to you, Lord of the three worlds! Victory to you, O Master who bears the sacred Ganga! O Shambhu, your boundless and sincere compassion ever increases. You preserve all knowledge and bestow abundant prosperity. Even with hundreds of forms or with new hymns, one cannot fully praise even a single aspect of you. You alone can truly know yourself, or perhaps, by your grace, another may come to know you. Are not the gods themselves born from but a portion of your being? Just as the flames of fire arise from the conjunction of place, time, and action, so too do all things emerge from you. O compassionate Lord, O Shankara, reveal your form to us!” Thus, as we bowed with faith and devotion, the Lord responded. From that pillar of light, the Lord himself appeared, adorned with the crescent moon. In his hands he held a battle-axe and a young deer, granting fearlessness and repose to those who beheld him. He spoke with kindness, “I am pleased with your devotion, for you have united your minds in me. For the fulfillment of your wishes, I have manifested myself here.” Hearing the Lord’s words, we were filled with joy and reverently joined our palms in salutation. With sacred mantras, I, though childlike, acknowledged myself as the creator of the three worlds. I bowed to this form—the eternal Lord, the bestower of all boons. The very expanse of the sky was filled with his radiance. The Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, gods, and supreme sages, along with the entire earth, were scorched by the intensity of his energy. Gathering his brilliance, he took the name Aruna Mountain, and this radiant form became known as Aruna Mountain. All the worlds, with the Siddhas and supreme sages, serve him devotedly. There, divine groves arose, filled with celestial trees such as the Kalpaka and others. All groups of divine herbs, and animal species such as lions, appeared, all moving together in harmony, undivided by the two paths. The air resounded with the sounds of divine drums and conches, and showers of flowers fell from above, celebrating the Lord’s glorious manifestation.