Once, with the intention of creating an obstacle for the yogis absorbed in their austerities, a beautiful young girl, radiant with virtues and lotus-like eyes, appeared. Brahmā, the lotus-seated creator, beheld her and, overcome by desire, wished to approach her. As Prajāpati, with great devotion, began to circumambulate her, the maiden suddenly transformed herself into a bird and soared high into the sky, seeking refuge from his pursuit. She flew until she found shelter on the sacred Śoṇa mountain and, in her distress, cried out, "Protect me, O Lord of Aruṇādri, refuge of all who seek sanctuary!" At that very moment, from the liṅga among the immovable beings, a hunter bearing a bow emerged. The appearance of this hunter dispelled Brahmā’s delusion instantly. Realizing his error, Brahmā bowed before the Lord of Śoṇa mountain, the giver of refuge, and praised Śambhu, the very form of Aruṇācala, revered by all devotees. In profound humility, Brahmā addressed the Lord, "Who but you, O Lord, can accomplish what is impossible for embodied beings? If you so desire, O Soul of the Universe, create another Brahmā for the creation of the worlds." The compassionate Lord, adorned with the crescent moon, replied, "What faults such as passion could ever trouble the Lord who is established? Worship the fiery liṅga here for the removal of all faults. All impurities are destroyed in an instant by the sight of Aruṇācala. This sacred mountain is the destroyer of all sins for humankind. I myself am this Aruṇādri, seen by some with grace. Here, all great sins are destroyed, and the eye of knowledge is attained." He continued, "Here, O Brahman, having bathed, even the delusion of the Lord of the world was dispelled. Circumambulate this mountain in silence, O Soul of the Universe, and be free from all fever and affliction." Having spoken thus, Brahmā beheld Maheśa, the Lord of the Universe, standing before him in the very form of the Aruṇācala mountain. The Lord of Aruṇagiri, the Creator, is to be realized through disciplined minds purified by restraint and observance. Meanwhile, in another time, Viṣṇu, the Lord of Lakṣmī, lay upon the serpent-bed, deep in slumber, not awakening for a long while. The universe was plunged into darkness; its features were indistinct and unrecognized. Lamenting this grievous state, wherein darkness bewildered the whole world, even the gods were unable to perceive the complete Person of Light. In their concern, the gods resolved to approach Umā’s consort, the God of gods. Pleased by their devotion, the blessed Lord Maheśvara, a mass of pure radiance, revealed himself. From his splendid radiance, sparks and rays arose, illuminating all. Awakened by the assembled gods, Viṣṇu, the Lord of Lakṣmī, arose and spoke: "Due to the overwhelming darkness, I lay down to rest at an improper time. Now I resolve to perform the acts of creation myself." He remembered that the fiery liṅga here removes all faults and grants all desired fruits. Contemplating the jyotirliṅga of Sadāśiva, established within his own heart, Viṣṇu praised Īśāna, the creator of the universe and destroyer of evil. Bestowing a gracious glance upon him, the Lord said, "Arise." Viṣṇu offered salutations: "Salutations to the Lord of the three worlds, the bearer of the triple form and qualities. You alone are the Lord of the worlds, manifest as all the gods from your own portions.