Upon the sacred mountain Arbuda, many principal holy places are known to exist, each steeped in spiritual power and legend. The greatness of Arbuda, as heard from ancient tradition, is profound and revered. In those times, there lived a divine sage named Vasiṣṭha, born from the mind of the Grandfather, Brahmā himself. Vasiṣṭha was a disciplined ascetic, moderate in his food, and ever devoted to the welfare of all beings. During the summer, he practiced the rigorous five-fire austerity, focusing on recitation and offerings. He possessed a renowned and auspicious cow named Nandinī, who was famed for granting all desires. One day, as Nandinī wandered the earth, grazing on grass, the blessed Sun, radiant and fierce, shone down upon her. The sage, Vasiṣṭha, would always collect her milk both in the evening and the morning, sustaining his ascetic practices. Yet, absorbed in thought, the brahmin grew anxious, fearing the need for expiation. Seeking answers, Vasiṣṭha approached a nearby chasm and heard the earth groaning under its burden. From the depths, a voice cried, "I have come forth from the sacrificial fire, troubled, to look upon you. I have fallen here, O Lord—save me from this terrible and unbearable distress." In response, Vasiṣṭha meditated upon Sarasvatī, the river that purifies the three worlds. Sarasvatī answered his prayer, filling the chasm all around with her pure waters. Rejoicing together, the sage and the river returned toward the hermitage. When Vasiṣṭha saw the deep chasm, he pondered deeply. A thought arose in his mind: "Therefore, I shall quickly go to Himavat, the best of mountains. That mountain, lord of the earth, will send a mountain here." Resolute, the sage journeyed to Himavat, honoring him with offerings of water and other rites. He then spoke, requesting help. Himavat welcomed the sage, saying, "Welcome, best of sages! Today my life is fulfilled. Speak, O foremost sage, what is to be done—even if it concerns your own life." Vasiṣṭha explained that Nandinī, his excellent cow, had fallen into a deep place and was only pulled out with effort, fearing the consequences of the fall. He requested Himavat to send a distinguished mountain to fill the chasm. Himavat replied, "I will send some mountain, considering its measure. There is no count below, O best of mountains." Curiosity arose in Himavat, and he asked Vasiṣṭha to tell everything in detail. Meanwhile, Vasiṣṭha’s beloved and illustrious wife, Ahilyā, remained devoted to righteousness. At that time, the sage taught hundreds of disciples. Among them, one disciple was especially devoted to his teacher. Vasiṣṭha did not dismiss him, even though the disciple was overcome by old age. Though accomplished in knowledge and engaged in necessary tasks, the disciple continued to serve. One day, taking many offerings, the disciple went to the supreme hermitage. There, he saw a single white matted lock attached to wood. Shocked, he lamented, "Alas, my life is lost—how can this happen to one engaged in duty? There will be destruction of the lineage due to my negligence and faulty mind." His sorrow was quickly reported to Gautama. Gautama, hearing this, said, "Child, go home and perform the rituals such as agnihotra." Thus addressed by his teacher, the disciple replied, "Through this alone, I have attained completeness; there is no doubt about it." Thus, the sacred tales of Arbuda and its holy places, the sage Vasiṣṭha’s devotion, the trials of Nandinī, and the wisdom passed between teacher and disciple, all shine forth, illustrating the greatness and spiritual depth of the mountain and those who dwell upon it.