Gaurī, out of modesty, withdrew and concealed herself within her own being. In that mysterious moment, she and Śiva came together, united as intimately as two meanings joined by proximity. From their union arose a wondrous and divine form—the perfect blending of Śiva and Śivā. This extraordinary figure revealed half the body adorned with the crescent moon, while the other half was draped in the soft glow of moonlight. The limbs radiated a single tawny hue, and one breast was visible, signifying the harmonious presence of both masculine and feminine. Śiva addressed the goddess with gentle words, urging her to let go of any lingering anger. "Even so, O breast-named one, remain here beside me," he said, inviting her continued presence. He proclaimed that all people should worship and rejoice in both worldly enjoyment and ultimate liberation. The goddess, who grants success in mantras, would dwell there, bestowing blessings. Her presence would remove all diseases and destroy misfortune, bringing great benefit to those who approach with devotion and faith. The fruits of worship would be according to the austerity and sincerity of the devotees, enduring as long as the moon and stars shine in the worlds. From that day forward, Śiva decreed, their divine presence would be bestowed for the prosperity of all the worlds, ever abiding in the sacred Aruṇa-kshetra. He called upon the goddess Aruṇā, too, to remain there, filled with compassion. In this holy region, all attainments could be easily obtained. The daughter of the mountain king, through her devotion and actions, had pleased the Lord of Śoṇa-giri. Delighted by the nectar of the Lord of Śoṇa's greatness, the narrator continued, "How did Vajrāṅgada, the king of the Pāṇḍyas, cross over the Śoṇa? How did the two radiant lords of the Vidyādharas, adorned with garlands, do so? If your devotion to the Lord of beings is steadfast, I shall tell you the tale of Vajrāṅgada, as well as the deeds of the knower of knowledge." Once there was a king among the Pāṇḍyas, named Vajrāṅgada. He was righteous, learned in justice, profound, generous, and patient. Above all, he was devoted to the worship and service of Śiva, prosperous and the best among the virtuous. One day, under the pretext of hunting, he rode out on a fine horse. In the forest, he spotted a musk deer, its fragrance strong and alluring. He pursued the deer, which led him toward the Śoṇa mountain. As the chase continued, the king’s bow broke, and he wandered on, exhausted. For reasons he could not explain, he felt afflicted, as if tormented by an invisible force, like an elephant pressing upon him. Troubled, he wondered, "What is this causeless turmoil of my mind?" Unable to find the reason for his unrest, he suddenly saw two radiant beings, who had cast off their animal forms. They wore crowns and earrings, adorned with necklaces and armlets, appearing before him in splendor. The king, awestruck, listened as they spoke. "O king, do not grieve; it is due to the power of the lord of Śoṇa mountain." Somewhat reassured by their words, the king asked, "Who are you two, by whom such an encounter has happened to me?" In response, one of them, Kalādhara, spoke, "Know, O king, that we were once lords among the Vidyādharas...