1.23: Lord Shiva's Hermitage

As the first rays of dawn kissed the sky, I woke to the gentle words of Sage Viswamithra, urging me to perform my morning rituals. With reverence, I bathed in the holy waters, offered oblations, and recited divine prayers, feeling a sense of fulfillment and joy.

We continued on our journey, and soon, we arrived at the sacred confluence where the Sarayu River merged with the mighty Ganges, flowing in three directions. There, before us, stood the blessed hermitage of ascetics immersed in deep penance for thousands of years.

Intrigued by the sight, I turned to Viswamithra and asked about the hermitage's origins and the renowned sage who once resided there. His smile indicated that he was about to share a fascinating story with me.

Viswamithra began to narrate the tale of this sacred place, where the god of love, Kama, once dared to provoke Lord Shiva during his profound penance. The consequence of Kama's impertinence was swift and severe, as Lord Shiva reduced him to ashes with a single glance of his third eye.

Moved by this tale, I realized the significance of this place, now known as Anga Desa. It had become a blessed abode where disciples of Kama, the sages, engaged in penance and found solace.

As we stood at the confluence, the sage suggested spending the night there, purifying ourselves through rituals and prayers before entering the divine hermitage. We followed his guidance, ensuring we were sanctified and ready to step into this sacred space.

The sage disciples of Lord Shiva, observing from afar, welcomed us with warm hospitality. They offered water to wash our feet and drink, acknowledging us as esteemed guests. Their presence radiated a sense of peace and equanimity, and I was grateful for their graciousness.

Entering the sanctified hermitage, we were enveloped in a serene atmosphere. The sages, deeply devoted to penance, performed evening rituals and meditation, setting an example that we followed with reverence.

In the company of these righteous sages, we found comfort and solace. Sage Viswamithra, the epitome of virtue, regaled us with captivating stories, adding joy and delight to our stay in Lord Shiva's sacred hermitage. It was a night of profound experiences and deep spiritual connections, which left an indelible mark on my heart and soul.