Both the blessed Lord and the demon set aside their weapons, pausing in the midst of their fierce struggle. In that moment, a hundred exceedingly proud demons arose, their arrogance filling the battlefield. Then Viṣṇu, the master of great illusion, assumed the form of an aged brāhmaṇa. Approaching the king, the brāhmaṇa spoke humbly, “You are the giver of all prosperity, granting whatever I desire in my heart.” Seeing before him one who was fasting, aged, thirsty, and afflicted, the king responded with a cheerful and gracious face, uttering the sacred syllable “Om.” Hearing this, the foremost among the Daityas gave away his excellent armor to the brāhmaṇa. Viṣṇu, having obtained the armor, now took on the guise of Shankhachuda and went to Tulasi. Meanwhile, Shambhu—Lord Shiva—took up Hari’s trident to aid the Daitya. This trident was no ordinary weapon: its tip was empowered by Nārāyaṇa, its middle by Brahmā, and it was adorned with a multitude of radiant rays, resembling the flames of the fire at the end of the world. Equal in brilliance to the discus, it was capable of destroying all weapons. Vast in size, a thousand bows in length and a hundred hands in breadth, it was so mighty that, by divine play, it could destroy all the worlds at once. The king, recognizing the gravity of the moment, abandoned his bow and approached the lotus feet of Śrī Krishna. As the trident spun through the air, it fell upon the Daitya with great force. At that instant, the king assumed a divine form, appearing as a young boy dressed as a cowherd, surrounded by countless cowherds adorned with various precious jewels. He went and bowed his head to Rādhā and Mādhava; seeing Sudāma, both Rādhā and Krishna greeted him with cheerful faces. Overflowing with affection, they embraced him on their laps. Meanwhile, with that mighty trident, Shankara shattered the Daitya’s framework of bones, and with compassion, sent him to the salt ocean. There, the Daitya attained various excellent forms, purified and foremost in the worship of the gods. The waters that came from these events were as pure as holy water from sacred places—except for that of Shankara, which was even more special. One who bathes with water from the conch is as if he has bathed in all the sacred waters. In such a place, Lakṣmī always resides, and all inauspiciousness is driven away. If Lakṣmī is frightened or angered, she departs from that place to another. After slaying the demon, Shiva returned to his own divine realm. The gods, filled with supreme joy, also returned to their respective domains. A continuous shower of flowers rained down upon Shiva in celebration. At this point, the sage Nārada asked, “By which form did Tulasi appear? Please explain that to me.” Nārāyaṇa replied, “In the form of Shankhacuda, he enjoyed the company of his beloved Tulasi.” By his divine illusion, Hari had taken the armor of Shankhacuda. He began to play the drum near the entrance of Tulasi’s dwelling. Hearing the sound, the virtuous Tulasi was filled with supreme joy. She gave wealth to the brāhmins and arranged for auspicious rites. The god descended from his chariot and entered the residence of the goddess. Seeing her beloved before her—peaceful and charming—Tulasi was filled with joy. She seated him on a beautiful jeweled lion-throne, her heart brimming with passion. Overwhelmed, she exclaimed, “Today my birth is fulfilled; today my actions are fruitful.” Smiling, casting sidelong glances, filled with desire, her body thrilled with joy at the reunion.