In ancient times, the foremost among divine craftsmen, Visvakarman, chief of artisans, was called upon to fashion on earth a magnificent stone image of Vasudeva. This task was not undertaken lightly; the image was to be created according to proper rites, so that all devotees, along with Indra and other humans, could recognize from it the great danger posed by the Daityas and Rakshasas. Those who beheld this sacred image, having reached heaven and the summit of Mount Sumeru, worshipped Vasudeva for long periods, and dwelt there free from fear. Upon hearing these instructions, Visvakarman immediately set about his task, crafting a pure and resplendent image of Vasudeva, who held the conch, discus, and mace. The image was endowed with every auspicious mark; its eyes blossomed like lotus petals, it bore the Srivatsa emblem, radiated immense power, and stood as the finest of all images. Its chest was draped with a garland of forest flowers, it wore a crown and armlets, was clothed in yellow garments, possessed broad shoulders, and glittered with earrings. At that auspicious time, the divine image was established by secret mantras, and installed according to the proper rites in those ancient days. Shakra, king of the gods, together with the celestial beings, journeyed to Brahma’s abode, ascending the excellent elephant. There, they repeatedly worshipped the image with ritual baths and offerings. Shakra honored the image and then returned to his city. For a long time, he continued to worship the image, restraining his speech, body, and mind, and by this devotion he overcame the cruel Asuras, beginning with Vritra and led by Namuchi. After slaying the terrible Danavas, Shakra enjoyed dominion over the three worlds. When the Treta age arrived, the lord of the Rakshasas appeared. This was Dasagriva, mighty and powerful, who for ten thousand years remained without food, having conquered his senses in a most severe vow and austerity. By his extraordinary penance, I was satisfied and granted him a boon: he became invulnerable to all the gods, Daityas, Nagas, Rakshasas, and immune to fierce weapons, curses, and even the servants of Yama. Empowered by this boon, Dasagriva defeated the Yakshas and many hosts, conquered the lord of wealth, and set out to defeat Shakra. He engaged in a most terrible battle with the gods, defeated the king of the gods, and thus earned the name Indrajit. His son, Meghanada, seized Amaravati, the splendid city of the king of the gods, and entered its glorious palace. Ravana, endowed with tremendous strength, saw the image of Vasudeva—dark as collyrium, adorned with all auspicious marks. The image bore the Srivatsa mark, its eyes wide like lotus petals, its chest encircled by a garland of forest flowers, and it was embellished with a crown and armlets. Vasudeva held the conch, discus, and mace in four hands, dressed in yellow garments, adorned with every ornament, and capable of granting all desired rewards. Ravana, leaving behind heaps of jewels and the auspiciously marked image, swiftly sent it to Lanka in the celestial chariot Pushpaka. There, Vibhishana, the illustrious and righteous guardian of the city, younger brother and counselor of Ravana, and a devoted follower of Narayana, stood. When Vibhishana saw that divine image, which had descended from the abode of the gods, his body thrilled and he was filled with wonder. Bowing his head to the deity, his heart inwardly joyful, Vibhishana exclaimed, "Today my birth is fruitful, today my austerity is fulfilled." He repeatedly prostrated himself, then approached his elder brother with joined palms and spoke: "O king, you ought to grant me favor with this image, by worshipping which, O Lord of the Universe, one crosses the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence." Ravana, hearing his brother’s words, replied, "Take the image, hero; what would I do with it? Having worshipped the self-born deity, I have conquered the three worlds; this wondrous god is the origin of all beings." Vibhishana, wise and devoted, then worshipped that auspicious image of Janardana for one hundred and eight years. He attained freedom from old age and death, gained powers such as minuteness, and enjoyed the kingdom of Lanka and pleasures as he wished. Marveling at this supreme nectar—the rare appearance of Ananta Vasudeva on earth—the listeners expressed their desire to hear in detail the greatness of this deity, asking for its full revelation. Meanwhile, Ravana, the cruel Rakshasa, conquered the gods, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, guardians of the worlds, sages, and Siddhas who had committed sin. Having defeated all in battle, he brought their women, established the city of Lanka anew, and was again deluded for the sake of Sita. Suspicious, Ravana took the form of a golden deer. Enraged, Rama fought him alongside Saumitri. For the purpose of slaying Ravana, Rama killed Vali, swift as thought, and anointed Sugriva as king, with Angada as crown prince. Hanuman, Nala, Nila, Jambavan, Panasa, Gavaya, Gavaksha, and Pathina of great might, along with many other powerful and fearsome monkeys, surrounded Rama, the lotus-eyed one. With the combined strength of all the mountains, Rama built a bridge across the great ocean and crossed over it with his mighty force. He then engaged in an incomparable battle, surrounded by hosts of demons—Yamahasta, Prahasta, Nikumbha, and Kumbha as well. Thus unfolded the wondrous saga of the divine image of Vasudeva and the epic struggles of gods and demons.