ಸಮಸ್ತ ಮಾತು, ಶ್ರೀಮಂತಿಕೆ, ಸಹನೆ, ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ, ಜ್ಞಾನ, ಸ್ವಾಹಾ, ಸ್ವಧಾ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ಶಕ್ತಿಗಳು—all these extraordinary qualities—are none other than the manifestations of my own great power. This immense energy is Gaurī herself, the mother of the universe, the very embodiment of illusion (ಮಾಯೆ). Because of this divine power, the entire cycle of creation, preservation, dissolution, and movement of the world takes place. When one becomes free from this delusion, one can truly realize my greatness. Empowered by my form, he attained sovereignty over the earth. Thereafter, as Purandara, he enjoyed heavenly pleasures for a long time. Having revealed this profound truth, the divine being disappeared, leaving the accomplished King Vajrāṅgada behind. Thus, O holy one, I have narrated to you the flourishing of devotion to Lord Shiva. What more needs to be said? Simply circumambulating the Śoṇa mountain is enough to attain great merit. Especially during the solstices, equinoxes, and other auspicious occasions, there is no holier place than Aruṇa, nor is there any deity superior to Aruṇeśvara. As Nandikeśvara spoke these words, the son of Mṛkaṇḍu, his entire being was filled with immense joy. Now begins the third section—Arbuda-khaṇḍa. Vyāsa proclaims: "Om! Salutations to the infinite, the subtle, the one who is realized through knowledge, the creator!" He continues: All the Manvantaras and the various types of creation have been described. Now, we wish to hear about the supreme glory of the holy places. In ancient times, there were three crores and half a crore such sacred places. These included holy fields, rivers, mountains, and streams. Among them, Arbuda is renowned, O sinless one, as the destroyer of all sins. All these holy places purify through bathing, charity, and other proper rites. But how did the glory of Vasiṣṭha become famous on earth? Which are the principal sacred sites on Mount Arbuda? O best of the twice-born, listen to the greatness of Arbuda as it has been heard. There was a divine sage named Vasiṣṭha, born from the mind of Brahmā, the Grandfather of all. He was disciplined, moderate in food, and always devoted to the welfare of all beings. Practicing the rigorous five-fire austerity during summer, ever engaged in recitation and offerings, he possessed a cow named Nandini—renowned, auspicious, and wish-fulfilling. One day, as Nandini wandered the earth grazing on grass, at that very moment, the blessed Sun, radiant and powerful, shone upon her. The sage, that twice-born one, would always collect her milk every morning and evening. But one day, the brahmin, lost in thought, became anxious, fearing he might have committed some error. Driven by this concern, he approached a deep chasm and heard the earth groaning under its burden. The earth herself spoke, "I have come forth from the sacrificial fire, troubled, to see you. I have fallen here, O Lord! Please save me from this terrible and unbearable distress." Immediately, Vasiṣṭha meditated on Sarasvatī, the river goddess who purifies all three worlds. Responding to his prayer, Sarasvatī filled the chasm with her pure waters. Rejoicing together with the sage, she flowed toward the hermitage. Upon seeing that deep chasm now filled, the great sage contemplated. A thought arose in his mind: "I must quickly go to Himavat, the greatest of mountains. That lord of the earth will surely send another mountain here to help." With this resolve, Vasiṣṭha journeyed to Mount Himavat, the king of mountains. After honoring Himavat with water and other offerings, the sage addressed him with these words. Himavat, delighted, replied, "Welcome, O best of sages! Today, my life has become truly blessed.