The sages, filled with devotion, approached the Lord of the gods and humbly asked, “O Lord, tell us of a place where we may always reside.” In response, the Lord spoke of a sacred destination, urging them to journey there along with all the holy fords and shrines. He revealed that even those who had committed the gravest sins could find redemption simply by beholding Arbuda. Thus, in the age of Kali, all the sacred fords, fearing the darkness that had descended, left their ancient abodes and took refuge upon Mount Arbuda, the lord of mountains. Esteemed places such as Kurukshetra, Prabhasa, and Brahmavarta also established their residence upon this hallowed mountain. There, it was decreed, the peaceful and pure-hearted would truly attain supreme liberation. “O wise one,” the Lord continued, “listen now to a wondrous event that occurred there in ancient times.” On Mount Arbuda, a man of righteous nature once performed severe austerities, his heart free from desire and anger. During his penance, his bile fell to the earth, shining with a reddish hue. Realizing a sense of accomplishment, he was seized by joy and began to dance. At that moment, even the vast oceans became agitated, disturbed by the power of his spiritual energy. As he danced, the entire universe felt his presence. Witnessing this, the hosts of gods approached the destroyer of desire, seeking his intervention. Shambhu, the compassionate Lord, appeared before the ascetic in the guise of a Brahmin. Addressing the twice-born, Shambhu asked about the source of his newfound power. The ascetic replied, “A great power has arisen within me, causing my blood to become bile. In my excitement, I dance.” To demonstrate, he struck his own thumb with his forefinger and said, “Look, Brahmin, at my hand.” The Brahmin, astonished by what he saw, suddenly recognized the ascetic as the bull-bannered one—Lord Shiva himself. “I have recognized you,” he said reverently. “This power you display belongs to none but you.” Pleased, Shiva said, “Choose a boon, for you have excelled in dance.” The ascetic asked that those who come here may obtain the fruits of the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices, and attain the highest state, free from old age and death. Shiva granted this wish, declaring that at the famous confluence of the Ganga and Sarasvati, those who give gold to worthy Brahmins, according to their ability, would be greatly blessed. Having spoken thus, Maheshvara, the god of gods, vanished from their sight. The tale continued, “O king, by seeing whom does a man attain supreme accomplishment? Hear now another wondrous event that occurred there in former times.” At one time, many ascetics and Brahmins, driven by rivalry and the spirit of competition, gathered together in great numbers at Arbuda. It was said that the Brahmin who arrived last would be transformed into a dog. Despite their rivalry, all these ascetics were peaceful and accomplished in Vedic knowledge and learning. At that very moment, Great Shiva, filled with supreme compassion and devotion, appeared before them all. The sages, beholding Maheshvara together, were overwhelmed with devotion and praised him with Vedic hymns. Shri Mahadeva spoke to them, his voice full of kindness: “O sages, I am pleased by your supreme faith.