As a mighty flood began to surge forth, a voice urgently called out, “Arise, O Goddess! A mighty flood is swelling forth.” Hearing these words, the goddess closed her eyes in deep meditation and reflected upon the situation. She was troubled, for this sudden obstacle threatened to disrupt her worship. She knew that, among the virtuous on earth, the attainment of auspiciousness is usually unhindered, but now, her sand-made linga would surely dissolve in the face of this overwhelming flood. She realized that this flood was no ordinary occurrence—it had arisen through Shiva’s own maya, a divine play of illusion. Determined not to let her worship be disturbed, the goddess embraced the sand linga firmly with both arms. Thus instructed, Ambika held the linga tightly, pressing it to her heart. In doing so, the mark of her breast’s tip was imprinted upon the linga, a sign of her deep devotion. With her eyes closed, she stood absorbed in meditation, her heart fixed solely on concentration. From her intense focus, her body trembled; sweat appeared, and a gentle blush of modesty and affection colored her being, mingled with a playful intimacy in her act of worship. At that moment, a divine voice, embodied and resonant, spoke to her: “This sand linga, worshipped by you, will possess enduring glory. Seeing your austerity and the dharma you have observed, I have taken a radiant form upon the earth. I am here to obstruct the harsh accumulation of sin from all the worlds. Sages, accomplished Gandharvas, and great-souled yogis—all have sought this place. “In ages past, during the battle between Brahma and Krishna, the essence of intoxication arose from both their lineages. Brahma took the form of a swan, while Vishnu assumed the form of a boar. Pleased and manifest, he granted their desired boon there. Again, both requested him by the name Arunachala. “Go now and seek the illustrious sage Gautama, who is ever devoted to me. There, I will reveal to you my radiant form.” Having listened to these words spoken by Shiva, the partless and eternal one, all the gods and sages soon arrived at that sacred place to serve. The gods and steadfast sages remained there, for it was a place that destroyed all sin and increased all good fortune. Shiva, in his partless form, declared that he would remain there day and night, through worship, his footsteps on earth, and the protection of dharma. He revealed, “By granting all desires, she is called Kamakshi, the fulfiller of wishes. Indeed, I am the unimpeded offspring of Shambhu, the god of gods. There, having gone and performed intense austerity, and having pleased Shambhu, your devotion will bear fruit. All the true devotees who served at his feet were quickly dismissed, and she was constantly attended by companions devoted in their service. Within, the goddess beheld the radiant and peaceful Lord of the Aruṇa mountain. Filled with curiosity and reverence, she bowed to the immovable linga. There, the great sages—Atri, Bhrigu, Bharadvaja, Kashyapa, and Angiras—were constantly engaged in austerities, seeking the attainment of their desired boons. This divine linga, known as Arunadri, is regarded as supremely worthy of worship. Once again, all the great sages gathered and requested the goddess to accept their hospitality, honoring her devotion and the sanctity of that most sacred place.