In the presence of the venerable Nandikeshvara, the son of Mrikandu approached with humility and a gentle smile, addressing him with reverence. He spoke of the illustrious sages—Vibhāṇḍaka, Vyāsa, Kaṇva, Kaṇḍu, Caṇḍa, Kauśika, Śāṇḍilya, Śākaṭāyana, Āpastamba, Pṛthustamba, Bhārgava, Udaṅka, Parvata, Kauṇḍinya, Puṇḍarīka, Raibhya, Tṛṇabindu, Bodhāyana, Subodha, Hārīta, Mṛkaṇḍu, Kāṃkvārya, Nadanta, Devadatta, Nyaṃku, Lokākṣi, Viśravas, Saiṃdhava, Sumaṃtu, Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, Ekapāt, Krauñca, Dṛḍha, Gomukha, Devala, Sanatkumara, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, Maitreya, Pushpajit, Satyatapa, Shalisha, Shaishira, Vaishampayana, Kaushalya, Sharadvata, Kapidhvaja, Krishnatapa, Uttaman, Anta, Karuna, Amala, Kapriya, and the divine Nara and Narayana, among other great sages. He recalled that Nandikeshvara was foremost among the attendants of Maheshvara, having mastered all the sacred scriptures. He declared, “O Lord, it is from your own mouth that we have received instruction. The divine scriptures and Puranas are revealed by the Supreme Lord. If we are devoted to you, and if you show compassion to us, then all is well.” Thus, Nandikeshvara was addressed by Mrikandu’s son, his words carrying both humility and hope. Nandikeshvara responded with warmth, “If I do not tell you, for whom else would I speak? Is there anyone in this world as devoted to the path of Shiva’s dharma as you? For whose sake would the Lord command his own servant, if not for you? You alone know the secret Shaiva dharmas, and by you alone have I been served so faithfully for so long. Therefore, I will instruct you in that secret field, carefully guarded by the teachings of dharma.” He continued, “The teacher himself, with respect, should engage the disciple who is attentive. Compose your mind and establish unwavering trust. Remember the god who destroyed Kāma, and praise the Śāṃkarī hymn.” Nandikeshvara then described a sacred place in the southern direction, among the Drāviḍa lands. “O possessor of austerities,” he said, “there is a place three yojanas wide, worshipped by yogis devoted to Śiva. There, the god Śambhu himself has taken the form of a mountain. It is the dwelling of all perfected beings, great sages, and those of auspicious vows. This place surpasses even Sumeru, Kailāsa, and Mandara in its greatness. The gods in heaven long for the creatures who reside there. The wish-fulfilling trees cannot compare to the magnificent trees found in that land. Even hunters, whose joy is violence, are transformed in appearance there. The clouds move through this region, touching the mountain peaks. Birds sing melodiously, and even the bamboo reeds resound with music. At night, during the dark fortnight, fireflies shine as if remembering something wondrous. The trees on the riverbanks are always united, never hindered in their companionship. Even the stars come into contact with the summits of that lofty mountain.” Thus, Nandikeshvara revealed the glories of the sacred land, its wonders and its sanctity, as he prepared to impart the secret teachings to his devoted disciple.