As I bowed in deep reverence before the all-pervading, compassionate Lord, he looked upon me with favor and grace. Humbled and eager, I implored him, “Teach me, O Lord, the various forms of worship as prescribed in the sacred scriptures.” In reply, I was instructed to worship the Lord known as Aruṇādriśvara, drawing upon the strength of my austerities. In that sacred moment, Śiva revealed to me his subtle form as the liṅga, a vision both profound and beyond ordinary perception. My heart, now enveloped in all coverings and veils, felt wholly fulfilled. The manifold forms of worship described in the scriptures faded from my sight, as if dissolved by the radiance of his presence. Overwhelmed, I addressed him again: “O Lord, embodiment of compassion and my true master, may I come to know you myself. What is the proper hymn? What is the right worship? Who are the attendants here? How does human worship of you ever increase, O Supreme Lord? Be gracious and command all things yourself.” Hearing my plea, the god called upon Viśvakarman, who had arrived at that auspicious time. He commanded, “Build for me a divine temple, resplendent and shining with great jewels.” Then Śiva, glorious and radiant, began to speak of the order of worship, naming each aspect and attendant. He said, “Listen well to the attendants who have been created for the purpose of worship. He who is renowned on earth for the welfare of all worlds—he should always worship Aruṇādriśvara. There is she, Apītakuca by name, who upholds the greatness of this sacred place. For the festival, the great god is to be worshipped, surrounded by his sons of enjoyment. He is ever serene, bearing the deer and the axe, radiating fearlessness to all the worlds, and endowed with unimpeded splendor.” Śiva continued, “She, adorned with all ornaments, increases the sentiment of love among devotees. The intoxicated elephant is made to rejoice with abundant foods and delicacies during the festival. The supreme power, ever present and near, is to be worshipped at this time. Likewise, Amṛteśvara is to be worshipped before the eyes of all.” “At the door of the temple, Nandī and Mahākāla, shining like the sun, stand guard. On the right, the Mothers are to be worshipped, accompanied by those who remove obstacles. Skanda, the bearer of the spear, is to be worshipped in the northeast corner. After worshipping my temple, Dakṣiṇāmūrti is to be honored in the south. In the north, the form of Brahma should be established; in the east, accompanied by the deer, is the form of Apītakuca, endowed with all powers.” “For the protection of the temple, the goddesses who are leaders of prosperity must be honored. The Kṣetrapāla, surrounded by all the sacred enclosures, is to be worshipped, as are Kālī and many other deities who guard the rites.” Śiva then instructed, “Create divine maidens devoted to the worship of Śiva and the gods, endowed with charming movements, ever pure, and bestowers of desires. For the attainment of divine service, let there be auspicious ones of pure mind. To establish Shaiva practice, instruct them to worship me first. Appoint Shaulbikas and those skilled in the four branches of true knowledge.” He further decreed, “Let four monasteries be established for those dwelling at the sacred fords in the four directions. In these monasteries, let my foremost sages reside, upholding and protecting the worship of Śiva.” Thus, the Lord himself revealed the sacred order and the means by which his worship is to be performed, ensuring the continued flourishing of devotion and righteousness for the welfare of all worlds.