Adorned in all her ornaments, she radiated beauty and deepened the very sentiment of love itself. Within this atmosphere of devotion, the great, intoxicated elephant was made to rejoice, delighted with an abundance of foods and delicacies prepared for the occasion. All around, preparations for the grand festival took on a sacred fervor, for the supreme power, present nearby, was to be worshipped with utmost reverence. Amṛteśvara, the Lord of Immortality, was to be worshipped before all eyes, his presence central to the celebration. At the entrance, the mighty Nandī and Mahākāla stood shining like the sun, serving as vigilant guardians. To the right, the Mothers were honored, accompanied by those who remove obstacles, ensuring the path of worship remained clear and auspicious. In the northeast corner, Skanda—the bearer of the spear—was worshipped with devotion, while in the south, after paying homage to my temple, Dakṣiṇāmūrti was to be honored. In the north, the form of Brahma was established, and to the east, the Lord appeared accompanied by the gentle deer. The goddess Apītakuca, endowed with all powers, was also revered for her protection. To safeguard the temple, the goddesses, leaders of prosperity, were invoked, and the Kṣetrapāla, surrounded by all enclosures, was worshipped as the guardian of the sacred ground. Kālī and many other deities, protectors of the rites, were honored as well, ensuring the sanctity of every ritual. Divine maidens, devoted to the worship of Śiva and the gods, were created—maidens with charming movements, ever pure, and bestowers of desire. For the attainment of divine service, only those with auspicious and pure minds were chosen. To establish Shaiva practice, these maidens were instructed to worship me first, laying the foundation for righteous observance. Shaulbikas and those skilled in the four branches of true knowledge were appointed, and four monasteries were established at the sacred fords in each direction. In these monasteries, my foremost sages resided, steadfastly protecting the worship of Shiva. Alongside them, others, including the Kapalikas who were qualified, always maintained the sacred practices. This royal place was to be protected—unobstructed and inviolable by command—so that devotees might carry out the determined works of Shiva. The fruits of these works would be inexhaustible, safeguarded by the servants of Shiva. All that was favorable to the minds of these devotees, I vowed to accomplish. This worship, prescribed by the scriptures, was to be performed by humans as established. Whatever acts my servants resolved upon, pleasing to me, were to be carried out. Thus, the various forms of worship were established for the protection of the world, O sage, and here, thousands of sacrifices were to be performed. Those who offered an unbroken lamp in my presence, together with offerings from the waters, the trees, the flowers, and all that grew from underbrush and creepers, were especially blessed. I myself would go before them and directly conquer their enemies. Each of these splendid and enhanced offerings brought me delight. The devotees of Shiva, being thoroughly fulfilled, would surely come to be—there could be no doubt. Thus, when these words, arising from the mouth of Shambhu, were heard, all sins were dispelled. With reverence, the sage spoke: “Especially, I wish to hear about this sacred place, revered by the gods. On earth, things that grant desires are always difficult to obtain for those of little merit. But here, he is the Lord of Shonadri, the Lord of Arunadri, the Lord of the gods, beloved by the people. He is the Lord of immortality who never abandons, the giver of both female and male forms. He is the Lord of eloquent feet, the auspicious one, the gracious, the Lord adorned with musk.