Even when praised from afar by people as Śoṇādri, the sacred mountain bestows liberation. Yogis who meditate upon it within their hearts attain union with Shiva himself. Whatever is gained in the presence of Arunachala becomes imperishable, untouched by the passing of time. Long ago, a story unfolded of divine pride and contest. Two mighty beings, each filled with the desire to surpass the other, contended fiercely. In the midst of their rivalry, a wondrous form appeared—a pillar of fiery radiance, without beginning, middle, or end, dazzling beyond comprehension. Drawn by curiosity and awe, they strove to see the top and bottom of this luminous column. As they searched in vain, faces downcast in humility, the Lord—ocean of compassion—beheld them. Hearing their prayers, the Lord of the gods manifested as an immovable linga, anchoring the infinite light to the earth. The heavens resounded with the beat of divine drums, and apsaras sang and danced in celebration. Even among the Brahmas of ages past, the Lord stood supreme, transcending the ninety-six. Once, seeking to test the austerities of yogis, the Lord willed an obstacle to arise. A maiden of exquisite beauty and virtue, with eyes like lotus petals, appeared. Brahma, the lotus-seated creator, was moved with desire to touch her. As Prajapati, filled with devotion, circumambulated her, the young girl transformed into a bird and soared into the sky. Fleeing, she sought refuge upon Śoṇa mountain itself. There, she cried out, “Protect me, O Lord of Aruṇādri, refuge of all who seek sanctuary!” From the immovable linga, a hunter bearing a bow emerged. When the hunter appeared before Brahma, his delusion was shattered. Humbled, Brahma bowed to the Lord of Śoṇa mountain, the great giver of refuge—Śambhu, the very form of Aruṇācala, worshipped by devotees. Brahma offered praise, saying, “Who but you, O Lord, can accomplish what is impossible for embodied beings? Or else, O Soul of the Universe, create another Brahma for the world’s creation.” The Lord, embodiment of compassion, moon-crested, replied, “What faults, such as passion, could trouble the Lord who is established? Worship the fiery linga to remove all faults.” He declared, “All is destroyed in an instant by the sight of Aruṇācala. This Aruṇādri destroys all sins for men. I myself am this Aruṇādri, visible to some indeed. Here, all great sins are destroyed and the eye of knowledge is attained. Once, having bathed here, O Brahman, even the delusion of the Lord of the world vanished. Circumambulate in silence, O Soul of the Universe, and be free from all fever.” Having spoken thus, Brahma beheld Maheśa, Lord of the Universe, standing there as the very form of Aruṇācala mountain. This Lord of Aruṇagiri, the Creator, is to be realized by discipline—by a mind purified through restraint, observance, and spiritual practice. In another age, while reclining upon the serpent-bed, the Lord did not awaken for some time. The universe was shrouded in darkness, its features unrecognizable, indistinct. “Alas,” the gods lamented, “how grievous is this state, which by darkness bewilders the whole world!” Even the gods could not perceive the complete Person of Light. Resolving to seek help, they approached Umā’s consort, the God of gods. Then the blessed Lord Maheśvara, a mass of radiant splendor, became pleased, ready to restore order and light to the universe.