Sri Ramana Maharshi loved the Arunachala Hill very dearly. Ordinary people either regard Arunachala Hill with reverence out of popular belief or look upon it as one of numerous sacred places known to Hindus. Very few know the scriptural basis for the divinity of Arunachala Hill. Once a scholar approached Sri Ramana Maharshi and spoke about His high spiritual attainsment. However he coaxed Ramana Maharshi to accept a human Guru following the example set by great incarnations like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Soon thereafter the original Sanskrit book on "the glory of Arunachala" was mysteriously brought by a strange visitor. Sri Ramana Maharshi opened the book out of curiosity and saw the verse where Lord Shiva promises salvation to those who reside near Arunachala Hill even in the absence of initiation. The sacred truths enshrined in this book became manifest in Sri Ramana Maharshi's wonderful presence.

The Tamil translation of Arunachala Mahatmyam (Sanskrit) done by Sri Munagala S. Venkataramiah (later Sri Ramanananda Saraswati, compiler of Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi) is already published by Sri Ramanasramam. The English translation of this by Sri M. C. Subramanian was serialised in The Mountain Path. This has been reissued now and includes a few alterations and additions. A long-felt need of devotees has at last been realized with the publication of this in book form. Here we present the Lord's promise to devotees.This translation into Kannada of the Arunachala Mahatmyam from the original.