Within that sacred place, her inner radiance suddenly illuminated everything, filling the surroundings with a brilliant light. Yet, though she shone outwardly, her heart was restless—her mind tormented by the pain of separation from Shiva. In her longing, she smiled gently and, with divine grace, created a lotus upon the water. Instantly, her actions bore fruit, and all around her was fulfilled, blessed with the auspicious results destined for that moment. It was the holy month of Kārtika, beneath the constellation Kṛttikā, as night descended. In that hallowed time, the Mother of the Universe approached the liṅga formed from the Aruṇa mountain and began her worship. She turned her reverence to the liṅga of this radiant mountain, a form known to destroy even the greatest sins. Though the liṅga was of the nature of fire, it became serene and tranquil, ready to bestow blessings upon all the worlds. With devotion, she addressed the Lord of Aruṇa, the most beautiful and splendid of mountains, the very ocean of form and beauty. “O god,” she proclaimed, “you are celebrated as the very seed of all radiance. That supreme light, once glimpsed by Brahmā and sought by Viṣṇu—grant me a vision of that divine brilliance, the supreme radiance that removes all faults.” At her prayer, that wondrous light appeared, flooding the entire universe with its effulgence. It was a radiance supreme, dazzling like millions of fires burning at the world’s end. Overcome with awe and wonder, the lotus-eyed goddess rejoiced in her heart at the sight. Then, before her, a golden man appeared, his voice melodious and sweet. He spoke: “This radiant form has now been revealed to you. You have performed great austerities on earth—what more do you desire? Behold, all has been pacified by the vision of this light.” Moved by devotion, she suddenly seized the liṅga, which was situated at his throat, placing all her trust in him—the liṅga form at his throat. By worshipping and meditating upon him alone, she attained lordship over the Gaṇas. For long, he had borne the Malliṅga, and thus, even his supreme attainment was owed to divinity. Yet, it was declared that those seeking liberation and devoted to the highest should not always perform this act, for it does not yield the same result for all. Rather, like a thunderbolt, it destroys obstacles. The very act of beholding this radiance is fruitful, for it cleanses all faults. He continued: “She made you, O Apītakuca, loving and the protector of devotees. By the name of expiation, you are called Bhavāpītakucā. Worship me, the embodiment of compassion, the leader Apītakuca.” With deep reverence, Ambikā bowed and prayed to him. She spoke: “This radiance has been shown to you, witnessed by gods and humans alike. In this constellation of Kṛttikā, let your brilliance be supremely manifest. May all beings who behold it be freed from every sin.” Then Ambikā, surrounded by her companions, circumambulated him in worship. She fashioned a liṅga from the Aruṇa mountain, its surface gleaming like emerald. She adorned the ground all around with lotus petals and buds, as though she were worshipping the red mountain itself with the loving glances of her eyes. The Mothers were pleased and honored her with fragrant offerings and ornaments, and she was encircled by celestial women bearing gifts, together with the wives of sages. In her heart, Ambikā longed for union with Śiva, just as the daughter of the mountain had once yearned at the sacred wedding fire.