To ensure the temple’s protection, the goddesses—leaders of prosperity—were established as guardians, their presence sanctifying the sacred precincts. The Kṣetrapāla, the vigilant protector of the region, was to be worshipped, encircled by all the temple’s enclosures, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the grounds. Alongside him, Kālī and many other deities, guardians of the sacred rites, were invoked, their power preserving the purity and order of all ceremonies. Divine maidens were to be created, devoted wholly to the worship of Śiva and the gods. These maidens, graced with charming movements, ever pure, and generous in bestowing blessings, would serve as embodiments of auspiciousness. Their pure minds and auspicious nature were essential for the attainment of divine service, and they were to be carefully selected for this sacred duty. To establish the proper Shaiva practice, these maidens were to be instructed to worship Śiva first, thus upholding the tradition and ensuring the right order of devotion. Along with them, Shaulbikas and those skilled in the four branches of true knowledge were to be appointed, their wisdom guiding the rituals and spiritual learning within the temple. Furthermore, four monasteries were to be established at the sacred fords in each of the four directions. In these monasteries, the foremost sages devoted to Śiva would reside, ever vigilant in protecting and maintaining the worship of the Lord. Others, including the qualified Kapalikas, were also to assist in this sacred task, ensuring that the worship remained unbroken and pure. This place, beloved of kings, was to be kept protected—unobstructed and inviolable—by royal command, so that devotees could freely carry out the prescribed works of Śiva. Every act performed here, yielding inexhaustible spiritual fruit, was to be carefully guarded by the servants of Śiva. The Lord himself promised to fulfill all that was favorable to the minds of his devotees. All worship, as prescribed in the scriptures, was to be performed by humans according to the established order. Whatever acts were resolved upon by the servants of Śiva should be carried out, for such service was pleasing to the Lord. Having established these various forms of worship for the protection of the world, countless sacrifices were to be performed here, their numbers reaching into the thousands. Those who offered an unbroken lamp in the presence of Śiva, along with gifts of water-born, tree-born, and creeper-grown flowers and plants, would find that the Lord himself would go before them, directly conquering their enemies. Every offering—each splendid and enhanced origin—brought delight to Śiva. Here, devotees of Śiva, thoroughly fulfilled, would surely gather, their hearts brimming with faith—there was no doubt of this. Having heard these sacred words spoken by Shambhu himself, the listeners felt their sins dispelled, their spirits uplifted. Yearning to know more, the sage humbly asked, “Especially, I wish to hear about this place, revered by the gods.” For on earth, things that grant desires are always difficult to obtain for those of little merit. Śiva, the Lord of Shonadri and Arunadri, the Lord of the gods, beloved by people, was described in all his glory. He is the Lord of immortality, who does not abandon anyone, the bestower of both female and male forms. He is the Lord of eloquent feet, the auspicious and gracious one, the Lord of musk. He is the Lord associated with knowledge, the beautiful one who drank the Halahala poison. He is the one who holds the upraised trident while dancing, radiant, the Lord of dancers. He is the Lord of the universe, the great god, three-eyed, and the destroyer of Tripura. He possesses a youthful form, is the very embodiment of forbearance, the protector of righteousness, with the bull as his banner. He is the destroyer of Kama, enemy of Andhaka, king of the Siddhas, and sky-clad. He is the consort of Shri, Shankara, the creator, lord of all knowledge, and sinless. He is Aruna, of many forms, Virupaksha, of imperishable form. He is of the very nature of existence, consciousness, and bliss—the soul of all, the sustainer of life. He is the giver of knowledge, the bestower of liberation, and the fulfiller of devotees’ desires. He wields the trident, is the Lord of creatures, Shambhu, self-born, Lord of the mountain, and ever gracious. Thus, the greatness of the temple, the sanctity of its worship, and the supreme nature of Śiva were revealed, filling the hearts of devotees with reverence and joy.