Listen now to the sacred account of the glories of the Śoṇa Mountain, also known as Aruṇādri, as revealed in the holy Skanda Purāṇa. It is said that by proclaiming three times, with devotion and faith, “Lord of Śoṇa Mountain,” one is freed from all sins. Those who yearn for liberation are enjoined to recite the mantra of Aruṇeśvara with deep reverence, for such worship brings one closer to the highest freedom. Indeed, those who perform acts of devotion and service for the sacred Aruṇa Mountain receive its auspicious rewards directly. Even when the wise are immersed in the highest joys, they are encouraged to utter the blessed name “Aruṇa Śaṃkara,” for this remembrance itself is meritorious. Furthermore, anyone who dwells for three days within the holy field of Aruṇa is cleansed of all sins. Know this: Aruṇa Mountain is none other than the southern Kailāsa, a place of supreme sanctity. The mere remembrance of this holy site bestows great merit, and the virtuous results of actions performed here are of the highest order. Indeed, the merit of deeds done in the Śoṇa field surpasses even those performed at the famed Setu. Therefore, the wise are advised to undertake great sacrifices, such as the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha, upon the Śoṇa Mountain, for by doing so, it is as if they have completed a hundred Cāndrāyaṇa vows or ten thousand Sāṃtapana rites. Rituals performed here, when done according to the prescribed rules, yield double the usual fruit. Thus, by the words of Nandikeśvara, the son of the sage learned the means to overcome the torments of hell. Through such devotion and practice, all-encompassing prosperity and blessings are surely attained. To further honor the Lord of Aruṇādri, there are prescribed offerings and forms of worship for each day and auspicious time. On Mondays, the Lord should be worshipped with musk and oleander flowers. On Thursdays, white lotuses are to be offered to the Lord of Śoṇa. Fridays are reserved for campaka and jasmine flowers, while on Saturdays, one should present jātī flowers to the Lord of Aruṇa. As the lunar month unfolds, each day brings its own sacred offering. On the first day, one should make an oblation to the deity. On the second day, curd-rice offered with devotion pleases the Lord. The third day calls for cakes, and on the fourth, a full water-pot and other auspicious items are to be presented. On the fifth day, rice with mung beans is to be prepared, followed by rice cooked with jaggery on the sixth, and sesame rice on the seventh. The eighth day is sanctified by the offering of royal rice, the ninth by wheat rice, and the tenth by karaṃbha. On the eleventh day, flattened rice is to be offered, on the twelfth, rice with soup, and on the thirteenth, saktu flour. Fruits of many kinds are always pleasing to the Lord of Śoṇa. The full moon day is especially auspicious for offerings, while on the new moon, at the sacred confluence, tubers and roots should be given with devotion. Each lunar mansion, too, has its own fitting gift. On Aśvinī, garments are offered; during Kṛttikā, lamps; and on Rohiṇī, silver. Punarvasu calls for musk, Puṣya for camphor, Pūrvaphālguni for betel, and Uttaraphālguni for incense. On Svāti, a group of fragrant women are to be presented, and on Viśākhā, scattered offerings. Mūla is honored with pearls, Pūrvāṣāḍhā with a crown, Dhaniṣṭhā with the game of eight squares, and Śatabhiṣak with garments. Thus, by following these sacred observances and remembering the glories of Aruṇādri, one attains vast merit, freedom from sin, and the highest prosperity, all by the grace of the Lord of Śoṇa Mountain.