Devi Paraśakti, in playfulness, once covered the two eyes of Paramaśiva, the source of light for the cosmos. A period of darkness commenced where no growth was possible. This period is what humanity experienced as the Dark Age. Immediately, Paramaśiva opened His third eye and alleviated the world from this darkness. What was just a few moments in Paramaśiva’s eternal abode translated to thousands of years on Planet Earth. This history is documented in the Arunachala Mahatmyam.

Devi Paraśakti, feeling responsible for the world’s suffering then requested guidance from Paramaśiva on how to raise humanity again. He told her that as His own extension, there was no need for any penance from her but if she chose, she can go to the city of Kanchipuram and perform austerities. Therefore, Paraśakti took the form of Kamakshi Ammal in the city of Kanchipuram, a holy city referred in the earliest scriptures. She performed austerities and proved her chastity and devotion to Paramaśiva. Out of His compassion, Paramaśiva came down to teach Devi the science of living enlightenment and restart human civilization again by revealing the Āgamas.

To become Ardhanarishwara, Paramaśiva directs Devi Paraśakti to go to Tiruvannamalai and do tapas under the tutelage of Gautama Rishi. Devi achieves oneness with Paramaśiva in Arunachala.

Among the five Rishis initiated directly by Paramaśiva, who are the source of the Adi Shaiva Sampradaya, Gautama is one. As oriented by Paramaśiva, Devi grows up in Gautama’s Gurukul. Arunachala Puranam documents this history in detail.

“Devi asks Gautama, ‘Oh the Maha Muni, the Lord of Munis, what should be the tapas for me to regain KAILASA?’ Very beautifully Gautama describes, ‘Drop all the actions inspired by chemicals – whether it is the guilt or fear or suffering or anger or anxiety.’ He describes 24 emotions that happen because of the chemicals in your body and he says, ‘ All your actions, thoughts, everything were a natural expression. You are not responsible for any action. You do only one thing. Just move your body around The Hill.’ Gautama is the first Master who gave the initiation into going round The Hill. The first disciple is Parvati, Devi! Then Devi asked the next question, ‘Now if I go around The Hill, I will save myself in future, but what about my past karma?’ He replies, ‘Oh Devi, the moment you realize inside you that it is the balancing or imbalancing of the 24 emotions, means it is chemical and hormonal changes, you are suddenly relieved of all your past actions!’”

“Then, Gautama initiates, trains, and makes Her achieve the ultimate and She gets the Idapaagam, means that Oneness with Paramaśiva and becomes Ardhanarishvara.”