Arunachala—The Absolute Form of Shiva Himself

“In the Dravidian region of South India, there is the greatest place called Arunachala, dearest to Chandrasekara. It is the abode of Shiva and Yogis. Arunachala is to this world what the heart is to the whole body. It is everything for Shiva. For the benefit of the world, Shiva took the form of a mountain and settled himself as Arunachala. 

There is no sacred place like Arunachala, there is no better discipline than devotion. There is no better protection than that afforded by vibhutti. There is no happiness superior to detachment. There is no position superior to salvation. If other kshetras are abodes of Shiva, Arunachala is the absolute form of Shiva himself.” 

[Skanda Purana]