There is no sacred place greater than Aruṇa, nor any deity superior to Aruṇeśvara. When Nandikeśvara spoke these words, the son of Mṛkaṇḍu—his whole being—was filled with delight. Now, as the third section of the Purāṇa begins—the Arbuda-khaṇḍa—Vyāsa invokes: Om, homage to the infinite, the subtle, the one approached through knowledge, the creator of all. He recalls the cycles of creation across all the Manvantaras, and now turns to the supreme glory of the holy places. In ancient times, there were three and a half crores of these sacred tirthas: fields, rivers, mountains, and streams, each sanctified in its own way. Among them, Arbuda is named, O sinless one, as the remover of all sins. All holy places purify through bathing, giving, and other rites, each according to its custom. How, then, did the glory of Vasiṣṭha become so widely renowned upon the earth? Which principal holy places dwell upon 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 very mind of the Grandfather, Brahmā. Disciplined and moderate in his ways, Vasiṣṭha was devoted to the welfare of all beings. In the heat of summer, he practiced the five-fire austerity, ever intent on recitation and offerings. By his side was the auspicious and wish-granting cow, Nandini, famed throughout the worlds. One day, as Nandini wandered the earth, grazing on grass, the blessed Sun, resplendent with fierce rays, shone down. The sage, that twice-born one, would always take her milk in the evening and morning. Yet, at this time, Vasiṣṭha was absorbed in anxious thought, troubled by a fear of expiation. Approaching a deep chasm, he heard the earth groaning under its great burden. A voice called out: "I have come forth from the sacrificial fire, troubled, to look upon you. I have fallen here, O Lord. Save me from this terrible and unbearable distress." Vasiṣṭha meditated upon Sarasvatī, the river who purifies the three worlds. Responding to his call, Sarasvatī filled the chasm all around with her pure waters. Rejoicing together, the river and the sage made their way back toward the hermitage. Yet, upon seeing the depth of the chasm, Vasiṣṭha pondered deeply. A thought arose in his mind: "Therefore, I shall quickly go to Himavat, the best of mountains. That very mountain, lord of the earth, will send a mountain here." With this resolve, the sage journeyed to Himavat, the king of mountains. After honoring Himavat with offerings of water and other rites, Vasiṣṭha spoke: "Welcome to you, best of sages! Today my life is fulfilled," said Himavat. "Speak, O foremost sage, what is to be done—even if it concerns your own life." Vasiṣṭha explained how Nandinī, the excellent cow, had fallen into a deep place and, with great effort, had been pulled out, shaken by fear. He requested, "Therefore, O lord of peaks, send some distinguished mountain there." Himavat replied, "I will send a mountain, considering its measure. There is no count below, O best of mountains." Curiosity stirred within him, and he asked Vasiṣṭha to tell everything in detail. Meanwhile, Ahilyā, Vasiṣṭha's beloved and illustrious wife, remained devoted to righteousness. At that time, the sage taught hundreds of disciples, and among them was one who was especially devoted to his teacher. Thus begins the tale of Arbuda's greatness, the glory of Vasiṣṭha, and the sanctity of the sacred places.