Arjuna was instructed to journey eastward and establish an image there. Meanwhile, his companion declared, “I too shall go north, O sage, to install the image at the river.” Thus, Arjuna, known as Partha, traveled east and discovered a place of auspiciousness. There, he resolved to install the Sun god, while the Pandava himself entered into deep meditation. As the preparations unfolded, the brilliance of the Sun was described to Arjuna—a radiance so intense that it was nearly unbearable. Unable to withstand this dazzling light, Arjuna addressed the deity, saying, “O protector of cows, please assume a gentle form, one beautiful for people to behold. Let mortals on earth be purified by merely glimpsing your presence.” In answer, the Sun god, with his right hand, bestowed the gesture of protection and fearlessness. The radiant deity’s own splendor was revealed in full. When the auspicious moment arrived, Hari filled the great conch, marking the sacred installation. It was proclaimed that even those whose bodies are afflicted by impurities and faults become free from sin simply by reciting the Sun’s name. Arjuna wondered aloud, “Who among poets, however ambitious, would dare to praise the Sun, who is already lauded by Brahma and other sages?” For what remains uncreated by those skilled sages, masters of scripture and its myriad applications? Yet, reflecting deeply, Arjuna resolved, “Even so, I shall praise the pair of feet of the Sun, revered by the Guru of the three worlds.” For as long as the Sun is not present, the world remains unmoving; actions do not reach their fruition. Trees do not shine, and clusters of flowers do not close their eyes in blooming forests. But when the Sun rises in the sky, all hosts of gods and siddhas, along with Brahma, demons, sages, kinnara, men, nāgas, and yakṣas awaken. When the Sun sets, the world falls asleep; when he shines again, it awakens anew. Those who possess enthusiasm, strength, guidance, and valor—whose service, application, and creativity are devoted to the Sun—find success. In battles, whether with chariots, elephants, spears, javelins, arrows, wheels, shafts, or terrifying swords, and even when dwelling in difficult forests or fortresses among bears, lions, and thorny thieves, the Sun is the repository of brilliance and the refuge for all those afflicted. Nowhere in the world is there one as compassionate as he. Who is struck by leprosy, or by enemies, afflicted by diseases, lame, blind, dull, whose feet are withered, or whose actions have failed? Righteousness, when served, endures into the next world; in due time, the wise become grantors of boons. The Sun is adorned with eyes like those of a restless beloved deer, lovely hair, jeweled earrings, and radiant girdles. “O Lord of the worlds,” Arjuna prayed, “even if you are worshipped just once, or remembered in any way—especially at the time of death—it brings great merit. But those whose minds are clouded by false reasoning and who do not bow to you with devotion, whose bodies do not thrill with piety, remain untouched by your grace.” With eyes restless like ocean waves, shining with jeweled rays, even the serpents lick at the Sun’s brilliance. O best of gods, as you proceed, lotuses from the rivers of the gods, stirred by the wind, follow you. Meditating on your true nature, standing again and again in the midst of the ocean, with rows of feet, your presence is felt. Stationed on the slope of the eastern mountain, veiled at sunrise and sunset, your chariot moves through the sky, tearing apart the masses of darkness with its shining rays. With beautiful lotus-like eyes half-closed, and a girdle of chakravaka and swan birds, the blue, charming lotus is crowded by high-stepping bees. The spotless necklace of the shining moon rests upon your lap, O bird. So long as the green earth is enveloped in darkness, it remains impure, until it is honored by your rays. You are Vishnu, the moon, the destroyer of demons, Shanmukha, the lord of wealth, Time, the creator, the refuge of mountains and Malaya, and you are fire. You are beyond reproach, protector of cows, destroyer of Tripura, burner of Kama, destroyer of the pride of terrifying demons—protect me. O Aditya, Bhaskara, Divakara, Saptasapti, Martanda, Surya, lord of the green horses, and Bhanu—thus, Arjuna and his companion honored the Sun, installing his image and offering their heartfelt praise.