Through the words of a devoted soul, or simply by hearing the glories of Śiva recounted, one may receive blessings as profound as those gained from reciting the Vedas themselves—whatever fruit arises from their repetition. On this day, all the austerities I have performed have borne their true fruit. By the grace of Śiva and Śivā, I have witnessed a wonder: the supreme greatness of Aruṇācala, which is the very cause for the destruction of sin. In ancient times, the liṅga fashioned from the holy Aruṇādri revealed itself, just as it did then. Even if tens of millions of Brahmās attempted to describe the greatness of Arunachala, their words would fall short. Indra and the other guardians of the directions worship this sacred mountain, seeking the eight siddhis. Celestial birds, divine sages, and accomplished yogis all honor it; such is its renown. Lord Śiva, the master of Arunachala, has been propitiated here. Even those who praise it from afar, calling it Śoṇādri, are granted liberation. Yogis who meditate upon it in their minds attain union with Śiva himself. Whatever is attained in the presence of Arunachala remains imperishable. Once, in ages past, there arose a contest, as great beings, filled with pride, strove to outdo one another, each desiring to conquer the other. At that moment, a form of fiery radiance, without beginning, middle, or end, manifested before them—a pillar of light. Wishing to see the top and bottom of this wondrous column, they searched in vain. Seeing them thus, with faces downcast in humility, the Lord, who is the ocean of compassion, was moved. When entreated, the Lord of the gods assumed the form of an immovable liṅga. The heavens resounded with the music of divine drums, and the apsaras danced and sang in celebration. Among the Brahmās of countless ages, the Lord remained supreme, outshining the ninety-six. Once, desiring to create an obstacle to the yogis’ austerities, a beautiful maiden appeared, endowed with virtues and lotus-like eyes. Brahmā, the lotus-seated creator, beheld her and wished to touch her. With devotion, Prajāpati began to circumambulate her. But that young girl, transforming into a bird, soared into the sky, fleeing his advances. Seeking refuge, she descended and took shelter upon the very Śoṇa mountain. There, she prayed, “Protect me, O Lord of Aruṇādri, refuge of all who seek sanctuary!” From the liṅga among the immovable beings, a hunter bearing a bow appeared. Upon seeing the hunter, Brahmā’s delusion was instantly dispelled. He bowed before the Lord of Śoṇa mountain, the giver of refuge, and praised him: “To you, Śambhu, who is the very form of Aruṇācala and worshipped by devotees—who else but you, O Lord, can accomplish what is impossible for embodied beings? Or else, O Soul of the Universe, create another Brahmā for the creation of the worlds.” Then the Lord, embodiment of compassion, adorned with the crescent moon, spoke: “What faults, such as passion, could ever trouble the Lord who is firmly established? Worship the fiery liṅga to remove all faults. The mere sight of Aruṇācala destroys everything in an instant. This Aruṇādri is the destroyer of all sins for mankind. I myself am this Aruṇādri, and indeed, I may be seen by some. For those who do, all great sins are destroyed, and the eye of knowledge is attained.