Honored by all the gods without exception, the World-Encompassing Goddess was earnestly praised by the deities, who were tormented by the asura Mahisha. With many hymns, they extolled the great Lady, source of the world’s creation. Hearing their heartfelt praise, the Goddess, worshipped by the gods, listened attentively. Moved by their pleas, the Goddess let out a mighty roar to slay Mahisha; the sound startled Mahisha, lord of the Dānavas. Surrounded by her entire celestial army, the Mother of the Universe confronted him directly. Then the great demon, Mahisha, engaged the Goddess in fierce battle. The sky was filled with countless weapons and missiles hurled in every direction by the generals Cikṣura, Durdhara, and Durmukha, who led Mahisha’s army. Alongside them came Bāṣkala, Tāmraka, and another with a cat-like face, as well as a multitude of warriors fierce as Death itself upon the battlefield. Encircled by these mighty warriors, the valiant Mahisha, best among the Dānavas, stood firm. The Goddess, her eyes blazing with anger, the bewilderer of the worlds, struck down in battle the warriors who had sought refuge with Mahisha. When the demon saw his followers slain, he was seized by furious wrath. Skilled in sorcery, Mahisha swiftly approached the Goddess, assuming various forms by his magical powers. Yet, as each form appeared, the Goddess destroyed it without hesitation. Finally, Mahisha took on his most dreadful buffalo shape, a terror to the immortals. The Goddess firmly bound him with a noose and, wielding her sword, struck off his head, thus vanquishing Mahisha, the destroyer of the hosts of gods. At this, the remnants of Mahisha’s army, broken and wailing, fled in all directions. The delighted gods rejoiced and praised the Queen of the gods. Thus, Lakṣmī arose as the slayer of Mahiṣāsura. O King, now hear how Sarasvatī manifested. Once there was a demon named Śumbha, intoxicated by his own strength, and his brother Niśumbha, both mighty and powerful. Oppressed by these two, all the gods lost their radiance and glory. Seeking refuge, the gods went to Mount Himavat and earnestly praised the Goddess. The gods cried, “Victory to you, Queen of the gods! You are expert in removing the suffering of your devotees. In the form of the destroyer of demons, you are undecaying, immortal, and pure. O Queen, accessible to all devotees, of immense strength and valor, you take the forms of Viṣṇu, Śaṅkara, Brahmā, and others, your might is infinite.” “You are the cause of creation, preservation, and destruction, the giver of radiance. Greatly delighted by the supreme dance, O Mādhavī, you bestow joy. Be gracious, Queen of the gods, ocean of compassion! You are the boundless sea who removes the fear born of Niśumbha and Śumbha.” “Rescue us, O destroyer of the suffering of those who seek refuge, for we have come to you for shelter.” As the gods praised her thus, Girijā, pleased, spoke, “Tell me what brings you to praise me so.” Meanwhile, from her own sheath, she who was Kauśikī arose. Revered by the worlds, Kauśikī addressed the gods with affection, “I am pleased, O best of gods, by your excellent hymn.” When she offered them a boon, the gods replied, “There is one named Śumbha, and his renowned brother Niśumbha. By his strength, this mighty demon has seized the three worlds. O Goddess, please consider slaying that wicked lord of the Dānavas. He constantly oppresses us, overpowering us with his might.” The Goddess responded, “I will cast down the enemy of the gods—Niśumbha, and Śumbha as well. Remain at ease, let all be well with you; I will destroy the thorn in your side.” Having spoken thus, the compassionate Goddess addressed the gods and Indra, then immediately vanished from their sight. The delighted gods gathered and went to the auspicious cave of the golden mountain. There, as they watched, Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa, servants of Śumbha and Niśumbha, saw the Goddess—beautiful in every limb, bewilderer of the worlds. Those two hurried to their king, Śumbha, and reported, “O lord, best of asuras, worthy of all jewels and pleasures, giver of honor, we have seen an extraordinary, desirable woman. She is fit for your enjoyment. Bring her and be happy with her; such a woman is not to be found among asuras, nor among gandharvas, nor among dānavas, nor among humans, nor even among goddesses. None is as enchanting as she.” Hearing these words, Śumbha, subduer of enemies, sent a messenger named Sugrīva, a dānava. The messenger quickly went and, with respect, approached the Goddess. He conveyed Śumbha’s words: “O Goddess, there is an asura named Śumbha, lord and conqueror of the three worlds. He is the honored enjoyer of all jewels and treasures among the gods. Hear what he says: I am the imperishable enjoyer of jewels. You, too, are a jewel, O beautiful-eyed one; unite with me. All the jewels among gods, asuras, and men—all those treasures are with me. Enjoy with me the pleasures of desire.” The Goddess replied, “You speak the truth, O messenger, pleasing to your king. But how could the vow I made before become false? Hear from me the vow I have taken: Whoever dispels my pride, whoever removes my strength, whoever becomes equal in power to me—he alone shall enjoy my pleasures. Therefore, let the lord of the demons fulfill this promise of mine in truth; let him seize my hand by force—what is impossible for him in this matter?