In ages past, the greatness of all austerities was to be displayed through dedicated acts of penance. The Lord commanded, “Worship upon the Śoṇādri mountain, which is a sacred portion of the earth.” Thus, with constant devotion and prescribed rituals, worship was to be established upon the earth, honoring the divine presence. The Lord instructed that offerings and rituals, as set forth in the scriptures, should be performed with unwavering devotion. It was further decreed that the earthly liṅga, the sacred emblem of Śiva, should be revealed upon the surface of the earth by the devotee. The Lord declared, “I am established in this portion of the earth and am truly pleased with you.” Among all places, the devotee was considered foremost, chosen to reveal the worship of Śiva to the world. In reverence, the devotee approached the Lord of Aruṇādri, who was full of compassion, with a humble mind and asked, “How shall I worship you today with offerings suitable for mortals? O illustrious one, instruct me in the means by which you may be approached.” The compassionate Lord, whose essence pervades all, showed favor as the devotee bowed before him. The devotee implored, “Teach me the various forms of worship prescribed in the scriptures.” The Lord replied, “Worship the Lord known as Aruṇādriśvara with the power of your austerities.” Then, Śiva revealed his form as the subtle liṅga. Endowed with all coverings, the devotee’s heart became fulfilled. The forms prescribed in the scriptures became invisible, transcended by the direct vision of the Lord. The devotee, yearning for deeper knowledge, prayed, “O embodiment of compassion, O Lord, my master, may I know you myself. What is the hymn, what is the worship, and who are the attendants here? How does human worship of you continually increase? Be gracious, Supreme Lord, and command everything yourself.” At that moment, the god summoned Viśvakarman, the divine architect, who had arrived. He commanded, “Build for me a divine temple, shining with great jewels.” Śiva, the glorious one, spoke of the order of worship, describing the different names and forms to be honored. He said, “Hear from me also about those attendants who were created for the purpose of worship. He who is renowned on earth for the welfare of all worlds—you should always worship the one known as Aruṇādriśvara.” The goddess Apītakuca, whose name upholds the greatness of the place, was also to be honored. For the sake of the festival, the great god was to be worshipped, surrounded by his sons of enjoyment. Always bearing the deer and the axe, with a serene countenance, the Lord radiated fearlessness to the worlds and was endowed with unimpeded splendor. Apītakuca, adorned with all ornaments, increased the sentiment of love. She made the intoxicated elephant rejoice with abundant foods and delicacies. For the festival, the supreme power, present nearby, was to be worshipped. Amṛteśvara was also to be worshipped before the eyes during the festival. At the temple door, Nandī and Mahākāla, shining like the sun, stood in front. On the right, the Mothers were to be worshipped, accompanied by those who remove obstacles. Skanda, the bearer of the spear, was to be honored in the northeast corner. After worshipping the temple, Dakṣiṇāmūrti was to be honored in the south. In the north, the form of Brahma was to be worshipped; in the east, the Lord accompanied by the deer. Apītakuca, endowed with all powers, completed the circle of worship. Thus, the Lord’s commands were fulfilled, and the sacred worship on Śoṇādri was established for the welfare of all worlds.