Spiritual Stories

Author(s): Raman Maharshi
Publisher: Ramanasramam Tiruvannamalai

Page 85

boons. May your penance be successful! May human beings who see and worship this Linga – established for the maintenance of dharma - attain the goal of their lives! I myself shine on this earth in the form of the effulgent Arunachala for the liberation of mortals. Since it removes the cruel heap of sins from all the worlds, and since bondage becomes nonexistent when one sees it, it is named Arunachala (the Hill that destroys bondage). Rishis, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yogis etc., come here and fervently worship it, forsaking the peaks of Kailas and Mount Meru. You may go there and learn from the Sage Gautama about devotion to me and about the glory of Arunachala, and do more penance. I shall reveal to you my effulgent form there in order that all the sins (of the world) may be destroyed and all the worlds prosper”. On hearing these words which came from Siva in His formless state, Devi said, “So be it”, and started at once for Arunachala. Turning to the rishis who wished to follow Her, She said, “Perform your austerities on the banks of the sacred Kampa. This Linga of sand, which removes all sins and brings in all kinds of prosperity, bears the marks of my embrace. Worship it. Let my devotees know that I shall be worshipped as Kamakshi, since I fulfil their desires and bless them. Let them worship me and obtain the boons they desire."
She then came to Arunachala. The Goddess saw Siddhas, yogis, rishis and devas there. All the Maharshis begged Her to be their guest, but She said that She must see Gautama according to Siva's command. So they directed Her to his ashram. Devi then went to the Gautama Ashram at the foot of the Coral Hill (pavalakunru). Satananda, the son of Gautama, saw Her and full of devotional fervour invited and worshipped Her as prescribed and requested Her to stay on while he went to the forest to bring his father, Gautama, who had gone to fetch Kusa grass. By that time Gautama had already