By the power of fervent prayers, sacred places began to arise everywhere, their presence sanctifying the earth. It was then that the Lord commenced narrating the origins of all these holy sites. Parvati, the daughter of the mountain, addressed him with deep reverence, “O Lord, please tell me everything about how these sacred places came to be.” Hearing her request, the Lord of the mountain—Shiva—recalled the events of ancient times. He spoke of how, at one such site, Indra had bathed and cast off the sin of killing a Brahmin. In the southeast corner, the divine Brahma Tirtha appeared once more. In the southern quarter, belonging to Yama, the great Yamya Tirtha expanded. The southwest direction was illumined by the shining Nairrita Tirtha. In the west, the Varuna Tirtha manifested its holy presence. The northwest revealed the Vayaviya Tirtha, while in the north, the Soma Tirtha was known. In the northeast, it was remembered as the Vishnu Tirtha. Shiva continued, “Once, O Goddess, the sage Markandeya prayed to me, Shankara, saying, ‘May there be a gathering of many sacred fords here in one place.’ Hearing his prayer, I, Lord of gods and husband of Uma, came before him in a concealed form. O great sage, I told him, ‘You need not seek any other sacred ford here, for those who are devoted, all the sacred fords are gathered here.’ Thus, long ago, I spoke to Markandeya, assuring him that at the time of offering, these holy sites would indeed be visible to people. Vows, sacred fords, austerity, the Vedas, sacrifices, and observances—all these are present.” Parvati listened to the words of the foremost sage and was filled with joy. She said, “O best of ascetics, I am fulfilled by meeting you, the very network of sacred fords. But how is it that Lord Girisha, the god, appears here again, even though he bears a blazing, fiery form?” The story continued as the sage spoke: “I was instructed to undertake a pilgrimage to behold the liṅgas. I journeyed to Rudra-kshetra, to Kedara, and to the hermitage at Badarika. I visited the chief holy cities, foremost among them Kanchi. I beheld the liṅgas that were established and those that are self-manifested. With my disciples, I wandered across the earth, performing austerities and sacrificial rites. After visiting all the holy places, I arrived in this region and saw the mountain known as Arunadri, and the liṅga there. I saw the attendants of Shonadri, who subsisted on bulbs, roots, and fruits. That liṅga was first worshipped by Brahma, with his divine vision, in ancient times. The Vedas continually praise you, O Lord of Arunadri, for you are the very form of all the Vedas, eternal, and the embodiment of immortality. You are filled with affection for devotees, holy one, and destroyer of cities. Having attained you on earth, there is no further austerity to be performed elsewhere. Here, even the gods themselves desire to dwell, seeking your refuge. All other austerities I have performed have their fruit in the vision of you.” Thus, the origins and sanctity of the sacred places were revealed, and the greatness of Arunadri and its Lord was celebrated by sage and goddess alike.