Through intense and prolonged austerities, he sought and won the favor of the Lord of Shonadri. The illustrious and renowned ones became manifest through these acts, though their true nature remains elusive to those of limited understanding. Indeed, how could mere mortals hope to witness the gathering of all these divine presences together in a single place? Yet you, whose inner brilliance is hidden from the world, journeyed there with all the gods. As for myself, I too undertook severe austerities in worship of Shambhu at the sacred Aruna mountain. Through this devotion, I was blessed with a celestial palace crafted by Vishvakarma, resplendent and ever filled with joyous celebrations. The eminent sages, for their part, received various treatises on dharma, expanding the wisdom of the world. And I, by my worship of Shambhu, attained the fruits born of sacred offerings poured into the fire. In ancient times, kings who had triumphed over their foes and secured their realms experienced the wondrous and prosperous manifestation of the Shiva-linga, revealed as a mountain—an embodiment of Shiva that destroys all sin. This sacred presence offers protection to those who bow in reverence and, even through mere remembrance, washes away the impurities of the world. But how did peace come to all living beings? How did the sacred tirthas arise from the auspicious Aruna mountain? In the Dvapara Yuga, the mountain was of gold; in the Kali Yuga, it became emerald. In the Krita age, it extended for many yojanas and blazed with the essence of fire. Over time, the illustrious Lord of Aruna, responding to the prayers of the gods, grew peaceful. At this, Gaurī asked the sage, “How did Arunachala become peaceful?” Hearing her question, Gautama replied: Long ago, the gods assembled and offered their praises, worshipping with sacrifices. They addressed the Lord of Arunachala, benefactor of all worlds, hailing him as coppery, reddish, tawny—most auspicious of all. “Salutations to the copper-hued, to the reddish, to Shiva, the supreme Self! O Deva, your form encompasses all; this entire world, both moving and unmoving, is your manifestation. May abundant rains fall from the clouds and streams. The waters that arise from fire are indeed yours, O supreme Self. O Mahadeva, merciful Lord of the red mountain, become cool and bring peace!” Thus praised by all the gods, who bowed and worshipped with devotion, the rivers and streams began once more to flow with abundant water. Yet, even as hundreds of millions of blazing fires from the rising young sun surged forth, releasing the waters of the universe, the rivers and their streams spread everywhere. By the force of the gods’ prayers, sacred places—tirthas—arose throughout the land. Then, the sage began to recount the origin of all these holy places. Gaurī entreated him, “O Lord, tell me everything about the origin of the sacred places.” Hearing her words, the Lord of the mountain recalled all that had happened in ages past. It was there, after bathing, that Indra once cast off the terrible sin of killing a Brahmin. The divine Brahma Tirtha appeared anew in the southeast corner. In the southern quarter, belonging to Yama, the great Yamya Tirtha expanded. In the southwest, the shining Nairrita Tirtha was revealed. To the west, the Varuna Tirtha manifested, and in the northwest, the Vayaviya Tirtha came into being—each sacred site a testament to the power and grace of the Lord of Arunachala.