It is taught that one should offer gold and other gifts to the twice-born, giving according to one’s own ability. Such giving, praised in the scriptures with abundant injunctions, reveals the original and righteous greatness of the sacred field—realized only through supreme devotion. Whoever, at any time, gives wealth to the reciter according to his capacity, participates in this profound merit. Now, let us turn to the glorious account of Aruṇācala. Victory to the yogi of Aruṇagiri, who bears upon his head the mighty, difficult-to-cross king of serpents, and for whom the crescent moon shines as a lamp for all creation. The sages, filled with longing, addressed Sūta, “We wish to hear from you the greatness of Aruṇācala.” Thus requested, Sūta replied to the assembled sages: “Long ago, Sanaka approached the four-faced Brahmā and inquired about this very mystery. Listen attentively, all of you, as I recount what was spoken. In ancient times, Brahmā, the lotus-seated creator, dwelt in the highest realm, Satyaloka. By your grace, O sages, all knowledge arose within me, and through the glory of your devotion, the mirror of my mind was purified. The essential meaning of the Vedas and Vedāngas is the undisturbed knowledge of Śiva. The Śaiva liṅgas upon earth, as well as those divine and celestial, are all manifestations of Śiva’s power, O ocean of mercy. Among them, my own liṅga is pure and divine, resplendent with the glory of unbroken radiance. Merely remembering its name destroys all sins. That Śaiva brilliance of yours, the eternal support of the world, is imperishable. Thus, filled with devotion and curiosity, Brahmā meditated for a long time upon Śaṃbhu, seated upon the lotus throne. In his meditation, he once again beheld, as before, the pillar of radiant light that was Śiva. Having received Śiva’s command, the lord sought to obey it, his body marked with goosebumps born from that divine vision. Contemplating the yoga of Śiva, I remembered you with reverence. Supreme devotion to Śiva arose in you, O sages, through your many austerities. Your deeds, undisturbed and pure, sanctify the entire world. Through conversation, cohabitation, play, and mingling together, the wondrous Śaiva manifestation of old is to be heard. In the beginning, both I and Nārāyaṇa were born at the dawn of the universe. By our own nature, we arose and soon quarreled with each other. The urge for battle between us was exceedingly fierce, threatening destruction to the worlds. At that moment, both of us, deluded, were intensely focused on each other. In the Vedas, my own greatness is declared as surpassing all; yet, truly, every living being considers itself to be the highest. If I were to set a limit to myself anywhere in the universe—thus, having resolved in his mind, Sadāśiva himself—he manifested, surpassing all the worlds and blazing on every side like fire. Without beginning or end, he stood between the two of us, who were afflicted by rivalry. Before us both, a bodiless voice arose: ‘It is Śiva alone who will discern the difference in strength between you two. If you both wish to see who is superior in strength, from beginning to end—’ Thus, I and Viṣṇu, endowed with movement, stood firm, intent on discovering the truth of our own power and the supremacy of Śiva.