Just as a woman near the time of childbirth moves about without distress, so too does the devotee, having bathed and clad in pure garments, adorned with sacred ash and rudrākṣa beads, prepare for the sacred journey. As the Manus and thousands of gods proceed ahead, he observes the multitudes gathered, the great throng, and the obstacles that fill the path. Some devotees recite the names of Shiva with excellent songs, while others listen with undistracted minds and deep reverence to the glories of the Lord. Many perform acts of merit—offering gifts and showing kindness to those in need. In the age of Kṛta, the liṅga was of fire; in the Tretā age, it was formed from the jewel-mountain. At other times, its form appears as crystal or as a self-luminous red radiance. For the true form of the liṅga is beyond speech and mind, immeasurable by its very nature. After meditating, the devotee approaches and circumambulates Shiva directly. Whoever assumes a single-minded focus while circumambulating the Lord of the Red Mountain—Shona—joins the ranks of those who undertake this sacred journey. Of all mortals on earth who perform this circumambulation, hundreds of millions of aerial chariots filled with hosts of attendants come forth to serve them. A great and holy path is revealed, leading directly to the feet of Shiva. The devotee, having walked this path, attains a body as hard as diamond, unharmed by anything on earth. Here, such beings move about unseen, yet they behold the presence of Shiva. Seeing the Lord, filled with joy, they in turn grant boons to mortals. Every day, countless such beings—numbering ten million—are seated along the path. Throughout the universe, in every region, all who have performed this act attain the status of planetary lords. Breaking through even the solar orb, the devotee is released and reaches the city of Shiva. Having attained agelessness and immortality, he remains ever gracious on earth. Freed from all debts, he surely becomes sovereign over all. Having gained omniscience, he attains the lordship of speech. By circumambulating Mount Shona to the right, he becomes a teacher of the worlds. With great prosperity, he attains the abode of Vishnu. Freed from planetary afflictions, he becomes victorious over the universe. For those who perform this circumambulation, merits quickly arise. Their actions yield the desired results, and auspicious things always manifest for them. The very syllables of the mountain’s name are potent: 'kṣi' diminishes karma, while 'ṇa' grants liberation. Having performed this circumambulation, all misdeeds are washed away. In a single moment, O virtuous one, I behold the circumambulation of the three worlds within this act. Those who have performed this sacred rite in the past became steadfast rulers. At the conjunction of Uttarāyaṇa, I myself perform this circumambulation. For the welfare of the three worlds, I undertake this sacred circuit. Having performed it, the sinless one will again approach me. At dusk, Gaurī herself will arrange for my circumambulation. Thus, by the prayer of the goddess upon beholding the Jyotirliṅga, this sacred tradition endures.