By the command of Śiva himself, it was decreed that even in the formidable form of a buffalo, the demon’s destruction would come at the hands of the Goddess. This was the will of the Lord, for the Goddess alone was empowered to bring such an end. Who, after all, is not troubled when disrespect is shown to the Siddhas, those perfected beings who are very forms of Śiva? Indeed, the grace of the Siddhas had removed the curse that once weighed heavily. When the fault of the curse arose and the buffalo form was finally cast off, it was then that the radiant liṅga known as Aruṇācala was to be beheld. While still in the buffalo form, blinded by pride, the demon had been brought into union with the supreme liṅga. In ages past, in the three cities, Rudra himself had seen and worshipped three sacred liṅgas. It is said that a liṅga given without proper initiation and rites should not be accepted, but destroyed. Yet, in due course, the demon gained true understanding, his doubts dispelled by the teachings of wandering mendicants. By the touch of your lotus feet, O Goddess, he was liberated—of this there can be no doubt. To behold that best of mountains, Aruṇācala, is regarded as the highest act of expiation. Therefore, let all the sacred waters be invoked for the removal of all faults. With the recitation of the Aghamarṣaṇa hymn, the liṅga should be bathed, and Śiva, who dwells as Aruṇādri, should be worshipped with offerings and devoted service. Hearing these words, filled with the essence of Śiva, the mountain-born Goddess—she who protects the worlds—honored the gods and was filled with joy. Girijā, the daughter of the mountain, abandoned her doubt, which had been rooted in the fear of harming a devotee of Śiva. Then, from the sky, there arose a voice, sweet and enchanting to the ear. It proclaimed: “Let the sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Godavari, and Sarasvati—manifest here, and let nine holy sites come into being upon this stone surface. In this month of Ashviyuja, when the constellation Jyeshtha arrives, complete the sacred observance here, equal to that of the guardians of the directions. Establish these holy places at the forefront of all sacred sites, for the benefit of the world. Without doubt, the threefold suffering of the three worlds will be alleviated. With steadfast devotion, install them for the welfare of all people, accompanied by a great festival lasting ten days. In the evenings, worship my form at Shonachala according to the prescribed rites. This act, performed by you, will ensure the protection of the worlds.” Thus instructed, the mountain maiden undertook both tasks through the power of her austerity. At that very moment, the nine sacred places manifested there. With the approval of the sages, she immersed herself in the holy site, and her inner radiance instantly made the entire place shine with divine light. Yet, her heart was restless, tormented by separation from Śiva. With a gentle smile, she created a blooming lotus in the sacred waters. The waters and the land were immediately fulfilled, endowed with the fruits appropriate to that auspicious time. Then, in the holy month of Kārtika, under the star Kṛttikā, as night fell, the Mother of the Universe worshipped the liṅga formed from the very Aruṇa mountain. To that liṅga of the radiant mountain, destroyer of all great sins, she offered her devotion. Though the liṅga was of the very form of fire, it became tranquil for the sake of blessing all the worlds. “O Lord of Aruṇa, best of mountains, ocean of beauty and form,” she prayed, “you are proclaimed, O God, as the very seed of all radiance.