The ancient teachings speak of many divine names, each imbued with sacred power. Among them, I am especially drawn to the act of circumambulation, and because my form is one with the Śoṇa mountain, I have chosen this holy place as my eternal abode, never departing from it, O daughter of the mountain. Moved by curiosity and devotion, the goddess asks, “O lord of the Śoṇa mountain, reveal to me the greatness of circumambulation. At what time, in what manner, and by whom should this sacred act be performed, as it was done in days of old?” To this, the lord replies, “Listen, O goddess, to the greatness as it was imparted to me by Maheśvara himself. Here, all the gods and sages gather around me from every direction. Whatever sins exist—even those carried over from countless previous births—are washed away through this act. The merit earned here surpasses thousands of Aśvamedha sacrifices and tens of thousands of Vājapeya sacrifices. Even one who is bereft of ritual marks, who performs no rites, and is born of humble origins, attains the fruits of visiting all holy places, performing all sacrifices, and undertaking all righteous acts. With the first step in circumambulation, the earthly realm is traversed; with the second, the mid-space is crossed. Each step removes a layer of sin—one step absolves mental transgressions, the next, those of speech. Indeed, with a single step, all sins are wiped away. This sacred mountain is surrounded by thousands of hermitages, home to great sages and perfected beings. Here, I dwell eternally at the forefront, worshipped by the gods. It is told that my form here is a pillar of fire, radiant and beginning with the color red. The liṅga itself is of eight forms, blazing with intense light. Whoever performs the circumambulation of this liṅga is freed from the cycle of rebirth. The very dust touched by their feet purifies the entire earth. They bow in every direction, meditate, and offer praise with hands joined in reverence. Just as a woman close to childbirth walks without distress, so does the pilgrim move, having bathed, dressed in pure garments, and adorned with sacred ash and rudrākṣa beads. As the Manus and thousands of gods proceed ahead, the devotee considers the crowds, the great throng, and any obstacles along the path. Whether reciting the names of Shiva with melodious songs, or listening with focused mind and devotion to my greatness, or by giving generously and performing acts of kindness to those in need, each act adds to their merit. In the Kṛta age, the liṅga was of fire; in the Tretā age, it was a mountain of jewels. At other times, its form appears as crystal, or as red and self-luminous. Its true nature is beyond the grasp of speech and mind, immeasurable and transcendent. After meditating, one should approach and circumambulate me directly. Whoever does so, assuming a single-minded form while circling the Lord of the Red Mountain, joins the ranks of those who carry their feet in sacred pilgrimage around this place. Among mortals who perform this act, hundreds of millions of celestial chariots filled with hosts of attendants come to serve them. A great and holy path is revealed, leading directly to the feet of Shiva. Those who walk it gain bodies as hard as diamond, unharmed by anything on earth. Here, they move unseen, yet they behold my presence. Filled with joy at seeing me, they grant boons to mortals along the way. Every day, seated along this path, each one reaches the number of ten million, their merit ever increasing.” Thus is revealed the profound greatness of circumambulating the sacred Śoṇa mountain, where the divine presence eternally abides.