For whom, indeed, would the Supreme Lord command his own devoted servant, if not for you? Truly, you alone possess the complete understanding of all the secret Shaiva dharmas. No one else has served me with such dedication, for such a long time, as you have. Therefore, I shall reveal to you that most secret realm, carefully guarded by the teachings of dharma. A teacher, filled with respect, must impart knowledge to a disciple who listens with full attention. Compose your mind and establish unwavering trust in me. Remember always the great god who destroyed Kāma, and praise him with the Śāṃkarī hymn. Now hear, O possessor of great austerities, of a wondrous place in the southern direction, among the Drāviḍa lands. There exists a sacred region, three yojanas wide, worshipped by yogis devoted to Śiva. In that holy land, the god Śambhu himself has manifested as a mountain. It is the abode of all perfected beings, great sages, and those who follow auspicious vows. This mountain surpasses even Sumeru, Kailāsa, and Mandara in glory. The very gods in heaven yearn for the beings who dwell upon its slopes. The wish-fulfilling trees themselves cannot compare to the magnificent trees that flourish there. Even hunters, whose hearts are hardened by violence, are transformed in appearance on that mountain. Clouds drift through the sky and touch its lofty peaks. Birds sing with sweet melodies, and even the bamboo reeds resound with music. When night falls during the dark fortnight, fireflies shine as if remembering something from ancient times. The trees along the riverbanks are always united, never hindered in their growth. The stars themselves seem to brush against the summits of this towering mountain. All manner of animals roam freely upon its slopes, and at the base, even the Śabaras are commonly seen. Why speak at length? Even the sons of two mothers—those who are usually difficult to satisfy—feel envy for those who reside there. Lions, tigers, and elephants, too, have abandoned their bodies upon this sacred ground. In the eastern direction stands a mountain named Bhāskara. To the west rises the great mountain called Daṇḍa. South of the Śoṇa mountain lies Amarācala, and in the northern part here, the caves are inhabited by perfected beings. Many other mountains abound at its farthest limits, and all the trees are always supported by them. When one beholds this lord of mountains, Menā and Himavān themselves seem to be present. With hair adorned by trees and creepers, this mountain is recognized by his matted locks. On both sides of its radiant peak, the moon and the sun are ever present. During the rainy season, beneath its summit, dark clouds gather with intensity. This lord of mountains possesses a thousand feet and a thousand heads. It is no wonder that the streams of rivers vanish into his crown. Autumnal clouds reach up to him, forming a girdle around his vast form. Clinging to the tips of his peaks are hues of blue and red. Because of its extreme difficulty of access, the mountain possesses a certain fierceness, though not in name. There, the mighty serpents—Takṣaka, Ananta, and the other lords of snakes—contend with each other, making this sacred mountain a place of awe and wonder.