In the ancient times, the divine creator brought forth a hundred celestial forms, giving rise to the radiant lineage of the Apsarases. In those sacred days, Viṣṇu, the lotus-eyed Lord, after bathing in the sanctified waters of Brahma’s lake, was purified of all sin and attained sovereignty over all the worlds. Bhāskara, the shining sun-god, was once troubled by the Asuras. Immersing himself in the pure and holy ford created by Brahmā, he gained victory over all the Daityas and, in triumph, circumambulated the great mountain Meru. Soma, too, who had been suffering under the fiery curse of Dakṣa, was restored to his former glory by the power of Śiva’s words. Agni, tormented by the wasting disease brought on by a Brahmarṣi’s curse, found his affliction eased. Indra, the king of the gods, had vanquished formidable foes—Vṛtra, Bala, Pāka, Namuci, and Jṛmbha—but the weight of his sins diminished him, and he sought refuge at the very ends of the worlds. In his desperation, Indra worshipped Mount Aruṇa, and thus freed himself from all sin. Restored to his rightful position as Śakra, he was surrounded by a hundred Apsarases, and in celebration, commanded clouds to shower the heavens with divine rains of blossoms. Śeṣa, the mighty serpent, by Śiva’s command, worshipped the lord of Mount Śoṇa. Alongside him, other Nāgas, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and hosts of Apsarases also gathered. All the gods, eager to subdue the Daityas and other adversaries, prepared themselves for sacrifice. O radiant one, you were shaped by Tvaṣṭṛ himself, gleaming with the brilliance of the sun. Yet, even the chariot-horses, exhausted and weakened, could go no further, and the bearers of rays, garlanded with light, could not ascend to the high heavens. Out of compassion, the Lord granted them a path in the sky and auspicious horses. Truly, what can one not surpass by performing rightward circumambulations? By worshipping Mount Aruṇa, they were granted new limbs, and she who served Mount Śoṇa received both a nose and the power of speech. When the streams of gifts from the earth, given by Bali, were obstructed, the pure-souled one, while dwelling on the mountain called Bhāskara, obtained an eye. There was once a king named Pratardana who sought to win a celestial maiden. In a moment, at the urging of his ministers, the king’s face took on the form of a monkey. But by the grace of Lord Aruṇa, his visage was restored to beauty. Even so, in the presence of the lord of Aruṇācala, his knowledge remained weak. Then, the attendants of the Gandharvas, seeing Vyāghramukha, witnessed the consequence of his own disrespect, just as had been foretold. This land of Śiva is renowned everywhere, stretching for two yojanas in every direction. Long ago, even the Seven Sages of earth were afflicted by the burden of a curse, but the illustrious one granted them release, freeing those great souls. Near Śoṇācala, there is a holy and auspicious place. There, a seeker, carrying his desired object hidden in a wooden vessel, placed it in the sacred ford, compelled by thirst. Having reached Śoṇācala, he wondered at his situation, but suddenly found his footing and returned to his own abode. Taking up the vessel and beholding what was within, he bowed in reverence to Mount Aruṇa. Thus, the sacred deeds, blessings, and transformations brought forth by worship and devotion at these holy mountains were made manifest to gods and mortals alike.