In ancient times, the sages spoke of the vast spans of the Yugas, the cosmic ages through which the world cycles. They described the total duration as eight hundred thousand and sixty-four thousand years, and among these, the Kali Yuga is known to last four hundred and thirty-two thousand years. During the Kṛta Yuga, the first age, dharma—righteousness—stood firmly on all four legs, and Janārdana, the divine Lord, was of radiant white hue. In that era, dharma was practiced by all, and people did not suffer untimely death. Desire, anger, fear, greed, envy, and malice were entirely absent from the hearts of beings. When the Tretā Yuga dawned, dharma rested on three legs. In this age, living beings performed sacrifices, which bestowed upon them the results they desired. Through austerity, celibacy, ritual bathing, and various acts of charity, they maintained the sacred order. Then came the third age, Dvāpara Yuga. Here, recitation of sacred texts, sacrifice, and austerity were carried out, but now with a longing for personal gain. Kings fought one another upon the earth, and the world grew more tumultuous. Finally, the dreadful Kali Yuga began, the fourth age. Viṣṇu, the protector, was seen as dark in color, and sin became widespread. Kings became greedy for wealth, consumed by countless desires and delusions. Cows yielded little milk, and the twice-born—those initiated into sacred knowledge—forsook truth. In this age, wickedness prevailed, and truth was abandoned. Strange changes marked Kali Yuga: in the twelfth year, women would become pregnant, and all castes and stages of life would lose their distinctions. The sacred fords, once holy places for purification, were rendered useless, defiled entirely by foreigners. Upon hearing of these calamities, the holy ones spoke to Brahmā, the self-born creator: "O Lord of the gods, tell us where we should always remain." Brahmā replied that it was necessary for them, along with the sacred fords and shrines, to go to a place of refuge. He declared that even one who has committed great sin, if he beholds Arbuda, shall find redemption. Thus, all the sacred fords departed in the Kali age, and out of fear of Kali, took their place upon Mount Arbuda, the lord of mountains. Kurukshetra, Prabhasa, and Brahmavarta—all these holy places established their residence on Arbuda. There, on Mount Arbuda, peaceful men would truly attain supreme liberation. "Listen, O wise one," said the sage, "to a wondrous event that happened there in ancient times." A man of righteous nature performed austerity upon Arbuda, free from desire and anger. During his penance, his bile fell to the ground, shining with a reddish hue. Realizing, "I am accomplished," he began to dance in joy. At that moment, even the oceans were agitated and disturbed. As he danced, all the worlds were affected, and the hosts of gods went to the destroyer of desire, seeking to understand. Shambhu, the auspicious Lord, addressed the best of twice-born in the form of a Brahmin. The ascetic explained, "A power has arisen and been attained, from which my blood has become bile. For this reason, O twice-born, out of excitement I am dancing." With his forefinger, he struck his own thumb, and then said to Mankanaka, "Look, Brahmin, at my hand.