Gathered in the presence of Nandikeshvara were illustrious sages: Vaishampayana, Kaushalya, Sharadvata, Kapidhvaja, along with Krishnatapa, Uttaman, Anta, Karuna, Amala, and Kapriya. Among them also stood the divine Nara and Narayana, and many other venerable sages of great renown. Nandikeshvara, foremost among the attendants of Maheshvara and master of all scriptures, was revered by all. It was from Nandikeshvara’s own lips that these sages had received their sacred instruction. The divine scriptures and Puranas are truly revealed to the Supreme Lord alone. With devotion in their hearts, and seeking his compassion, they addressed him with humility. Mrikandu’s son, his face radiant with a gentle smile, spoke to Nandikeshvara in this manner. Nandikeshvara replied, “If I do not share this knowledge with you, for whom else would it be spoken? Is there anyone in the world more devoted to the path of Shiva’s dharma than you? For whose sake would the Lord command his own servant, if not yours? You alone know all the secret Shaiva dharmas. By you alone, and by no other, have I been served so faithfully for so long. Therefore, I will instruct you in that secret field, safeguarded by the teachings of dharma. Let the teacher respectfully engage the attentive disciple, and with a composed mind, establish unwavering trust. Remember the god who destroyed Kāma, and praise the Śāṃkarī hymn. Listen: In the southern direction, among the Drāviḍa lands, O possessor of austerities, there lies a sacred place, three yojanas wide, worshipped by yogis devoted to Shiva. There, the god Śambhu himself has assumed the form of a mountain. It is the dwelling of all perfected beings, great sages, and those vowed to auspiciousness. This mountain surpasses even Sumeru, Kailāsa, and Mandara in glory. The gods in heaven long for the beings who reside there. The wish-fulfilling trees themselves cannot compare to the magnificent trees found on that mountain. Even hunters, whose hearts delight only in violence, are transformed in appearance there. The clouds moving through that region brush against the mountain’s peaks. Birds sing melodiously, and even the bamboo reeds resound with music. At night, during the dark fortnight, fireflies shine brightly, as if recalling something profound. The trees lining the riverbanks are always united, never hindered in their growth. The stars themselves touch the summits of this lofty mountain, and all manner of animals roam freely upon its slopes. Near its base, even the Śabaras are commonly found. Why speak at length? Even the sons of two mothers feel envy toward those who dwell there. Lions, tigers, and elephants have abandoned their bodies in that sacred place. In the eastern direction stands a mountain named Bhāskara; in the west, a great mountain called Daṇḍa; and to the south of Śoṇa mountain lies Amarācala. In the northern part, caves inhabited by perfected beings are found. Many other mountains abound at the farthest limits, and all the trees there are always supported by them. Such is the wondrous region, sanctified by Shiva, and cherished by sages and perfected beings.