Let me tell you of the wondrous powers and sacred happenings that have unfolded around the holy mountains of Aruṇa and Śoṇa, places renowned in the land of Śiva. It is said that by simply performing circumambulations to the right around these sacred peaks, nothing is beyond reach—such is their spiritual potency. Many have come seeking blessings, and miracles have been granted. Those who worshipped Mount Aruṇa found themselves renewed, even gaining new limbs. There was a woman who, through her devoted service to Mount Śoṇa, acquired both a nose and the gift of speech. Another, whose blessings from the earth were obstructed by Bali’s generosity, found herself dwelling on the mountain called Bhāskara, where she gained an eye, her soul purified in the process. King Pratardana, driven by the desire to win a divine maiden, sought counsel from his ministers. In a moment, he took on the face of a monkey, but by the grace of Lord Aruṇa, his visage became beautiful once more. Yet, in the presence of the lord of Aruṇācala, his knowledge faltered. The attendants of the Gandharvas, seeing Vyāghramukha, responded accordingly, and, O Nārada, the king suffered the consequences of his own disrespect, as foretold. The land of Śiva, extending two yojanas in all directions, is famed everywhere for its sanctity. Long ago, the Seven Sages on earth were afflicted by a curse, but the illustrious one, compassionate and wise, granted them release, freeing their great souls from affliction. Near Śoṇācala lies a holy and auspicious place. There, a seeker, carrying his desired object concealed in a wooden vessel, placed it at the sacred ford, thirsty for blessings. Upon reaching Śoṇācala, he found his footing suddenly firm, and returned to his own abode, taking the vessel himself and bowing reverently to Mount Aruṇa. The great devotees of Śiva, eyes wide in wonder, witnessed these marvels. Vālī, the illustrious son of Indra, gazed from the peak of the rising mountain and beheld Mount Aruṇa at its heart, worshipped by the gods. Urged by his father Indra, Vālī approached Mount Śoṇa. Nala, after worshipping, cherished the women he had created, beloved by men. Ila, entering suddenly, remained unbroken and steadfast, like the forest of Gauri. Instructed by sage Vasiṣṭha, Ila worshipped the Śoṇa mountain with proper reverence. Guided by Soma and filled with devotion, he remembered Mount Aruṇa and attained the highest state, a realm even the immortals cannot reach. Yet, one who was born among deer did not attain liberation through yoga. Again, by the instruction of Bhṛgu, he worshipped the Śoṇa mountain, seeking spiritual progress. The rivers Sarasvatī, Sāvitrī, Śrī, and Bhūmi, along with others, sanctify the region. Bhāskara resides in the east, and Viśvāmitra in the south. The boundaries of these sacred mountains stretch two yojanas, with the lord of Śoṇa mountain residing at their ends. On the northern peak stands a great banyan tree, its vast, circular shadow ever present. Around it are eight liṅgas, each worshipped by the guardians of the eight directions. Kings devoted to Śambhu, who follow the commands of Śaṅkara, dwell there as well. And there, too, grows the great bakula tree, ever granting the fruits of all desires. Such are the wonders and blessings found in the sacred realm of Śiva, where devotion, faith, and worship transform lives and souls.