In ancient times, there was a wise Brahmin who, through silence and deep meditation, attained the gift of poetic inspiration. Such was his spiritual presence that even being near him would awaken poetic creativity in others. His wife, Kauśikī, was radiant with youth and beauty, and together they were blessed with a son named Agniśarman. After many years had passed, a severe drought struck the land. In the face of hardship, the Brahmin, his wife Kauśikī, and their son Agniśarman journeyed together. During these troubled times, Agniśarman fell in with the Ābhīras and bandits, losing his memory, forgetting the Vedas, and severing the sacred lineage and tradition. It was then that the seven sages, steadfast in their vows, arrived along the same path. They instructed, “Remove these garments, as well as your cloak and shoes.” Upon hearing these words, Atri spoke, saying, “We have become ascetics, intent on pilgrimage to holy places.” He declared, “I always sustain them; this is firmly established in my heart. If a sin is committed for your sake, tell me whose it is. If they speak, let them not lie; do not kill living beings.” Moved by their words, Agniśarman felt a new understanding awaken within him. He resolved, “I will go and ask them all whose disposition is like what.” With haste, he went to his father and asked, “A great sin is seen—whose is it? Tell me about it.” His father replied, “You know what you have done; what has been done must again be done by you.” Kauśikī, too, said, “The sin is not mine; truly, this sin is yours alone.” Knowing the truth of their hearts and actions, Agniśarman cast aside the black club he had used to harm others. He bowed deeply to the ground and spoke, “Freed by all of them, I have come to you for refuge.” Seeing his sincerity, the sages addressed Atri, “This one should be accepted by you; let him be your disciple, O sage. By this meditation-yoga and the recitation of the great mantra, established at the root of the tree, you will attain supreme accomplishment.” Having spoken thus, the sages departed as they wished, and Agniśarman remained there, unmoving. As he meditated, a termite mound formed above him. From within the mound, a sound was uttered by him, filling those nearby with wonder. The sages, endowed with wisdom, saw him and raised him up. Bowing before them, Agniśarman said, “I am wretched, lifted up by all of you; I was sunk in the mire of sin.” The sages replied, “O son, since you remained with single-pointed mind in this termite mound—” and then, having spoken, they departed to their own directions. Coming to Kuśasthalī, they worshipped the great Lord. From that time, Agniśarman, having attained poetic inspiration, composed delightful poetry. The Lord of gods was known henceforth by the name Vālmīkeśvara, and the excellent liṅga called Vālmīkeśvara was thus described. Thereafter, bowing with devotion, one is honored in the world of Rudra. And having seen Bhīmeśvara, a man worships with devotion and care.