Filled with deep curiosity and yearning to realize the fruits of his own austerities, the great sage approached the sacred gathering. At that very moment, a wave of universal devotion to Shiva had arisen, intent on restoring what had been lost. The sage observed the revered Gautama arriving, surrounded by his devoted disciples. Gautama’s matted locks shone with a deep copper hue, purified by countless ritual baths at holy places. His broad forehead gleamed, marked with sacred ash and the triple lines of devotion. Clad in a red bark garment, his body bore the marks of long austerity, appearing emaciated yet radiant. He spoke with noble dignity, his presence reminiscent of Shambhu himself. Upon seeing this venerable soul—aged, wise, and wholly devoted to the feet of Shambhu—the sage folded his palms in reverence. In that moment, he recognized the Mother of all worlds herself before him. With heartfelt respect, the sage addressed her: “Welcome, O Gauri, O most fortunate one, ocean of compassion, Mother of the world! O venerable one, knowing the highest purpose, we have always honored it. O goddess, if there is nothing of yours, then only your own wondrous play of illusion remains. Let the rest remain for me to speak of—your marvelous play of illusion.” He invited her, “Sit, O pure one, upon this seat of kusa grass, sanctified and clean.” At his command, the disciples brought forth the supreme seat, cushioned with darbha grass. With utmost devotion, he offered her all worship. As he spoke, his face seemed to glow with a radiance washed by the moonlight of his own pure teeth. “How great is the glory of the god Shambhu, of boundless brilliance!” he exclaimed. “What remains unattained, or is there anything else you desire? Tell me of Mount Kailāsa, where you performed austerities on the banks of the Kampa. O highly fortunate one, you yourself have come to this hermitage of devotees.” Hearing these words from the great sage, knower of all the Vedas, the goddess replied, “This immense glory belongs to you; Lord Shiva himself. You have mastered the Āgamas spoken by Shiva and even the Vedas. Shiva declared, ‘I abide here by the name Aruṇācala.’ I have come here to perform austerities in the presence of Aruṇācala. To converse with a devotee of Shiva and to hear the chanting of Shiva’s names—there is no greater joy. Therefore, I wish to hear the greatness of Aruṇācala from your lips.” Hearing her request, Gautama, the treasury of austerities, replied, “Whatever is not known, you ask again and again. Or, through the words of a devotee, the hearing of Shiva’s glory—of all the Vedas recited, whatever brings the fruit of repetition—today, all the austerities I have performed have become fruitful. By the grace of Shiva and Shivā, this wondrous greatness is revealed.” He continued, “The greatness of Aruṇācala is the cause of the destruction of sin. The liṅga made of Aruṇādri manifested here as it did in ancient times. Even if tens of millions of Brahmas tried, the greatness of Aruṇācala could not be fully described. Indra and the other guardians of the directions worship it to attain the eight siddhis. It is honored by celestial birds, divine sages, and accomplished yogis alike. This Lord Shiva, master of Aruṇācala, has been propitiated here.” Thus, in that sacred assembly, the glory of Aruṇācala and the supreme devotion to Shiva shone forth, sanctifying all who beheld and heard it.