Bound tightly with a noose and struck down by the sword of the Goddess, Mahiṣa—the destroyer of the hosts of gods—met his end at her hands. With their leader fallen, the remnants of Mahiṣa’s army broke apart, fleeing in all directions amid cries of lamentation. The gods, now filled with joy, gathered and offered heartfelt praise to their Queen. Thus, Lakṣmī became known as the slayer of Mahiṣāsura. O King, now listen to how Sarasvatī manifested herself. Once there arose two powerful demons: Śumbha, intoxicated by his own strength, and his brother Niśumbha, equally mighty. Under their oppression, all the gods lost their splendor and glory. Seeking relief, they journeyed to the heights of Mount Himavat and earnestly praised the Goddess. The gods cried out: “Victory to you, Queen of the gods! You are expert in removing the suffering of devotees. In your form as the destroyer of demons, you are undecaying, immortal, and sinless.” “O Queen, easily accessible to your devotees, you possess great strength and valor. You assume the forms of Viṣṇu, Śaṅkara, Brahmā, and others, your might truly 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 upon all.” “Be gracious, Queen of the gods, boundless ocean of compassion! You are the vast sea that removes the fears 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.” Thus, O lord of the earth, the gods offered their praise. Pleased by their devotion, Girijā appeared and said, “Tell me the reason for your praise.” As she spoke, Kauśikī emerged from her sheath, radiant and revered by all the worlds. Addressing the gods affectionately, Kauśikī said, “I am pleased, O best of gods, by your excellent hymn.” When she invited them to choose a boon, the gods requested, “There is one named Śumbha, and his renowned brother Niśumbha. The mighty demon has seized the three worlds by his strength. O Goddess, consider the slaying of that wicked lord of the Dānavas. He constantly harasses us, overpowering us with his might.” The Goddess responded, “I will cast down the enemy of the gods, Niśumbha and also Śumbha. Remain at ease, may all be well with you. I will destroy your thorn.” With compassion, she addressed the gods and Indra, and then vanished from their sight. The delighted gods gathered and proceeded to the auspicious cave of the golden mountain. There, as they watched, Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa—servants of Śumbha and Niśumbha—spotted the Goddess, whose beauty bewilders the worlds. Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa reported to their king, “O lord, best of all asuras, worthy of jewels and pleasures, giver of honor, we have seen an extraordinary and desirable woman. She is fit for your enjoyment. Bring that beautiful-limbed one and enjoy happiness with her; such a woman is not found among asuras, gandharvas, dānavas, humans, nor even among goddesses. None is as enchanting as she.” Hearing their words, Śumbha, the subduer of enemies, sent a messenger named Sugrīva, a dānava, who quickly approached the Goddess with respect. Sugrīva 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 are with me. Enjoy with me the pleasures of desire.” The Goddess replied, “You speak the truth, O messenger, pleasing to the daitya king. But how could the vow I made before become false? Hear from me the vow I have made: 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 with force—what is impossible for him in this matter? Go, great messenger, and respectfully tell your master: if he is stronger, he will fulfill my promise in truth.” Sugrīva listened to the words of the great Goddess and reported the entire account to Śumbha. Upon hearing the messenger’s unpleasant words, Śumbha, mighty lord of the demons, became greatly enraged. He commanded Dhumraksha, “Listen to my words and obey me. Bring that wicked woman to me quickly, even if you must kill her and drag her by her hair. Go at once ahead for me.” Receiving this command, Dhumralochana, lord of the demons, set out with sixty thousand powerful demons. Arriving at the snowy mountain, he approached the Goddess and shouted, “O auspicious one, quickly submit to the lord of the demons. Accept Śumbha, the mighty one, and enjoy all pleasures; otherwise, I will seize you by your hair and take you to him.” The Goddess replied, “What you say is true, O mighty one. King Śumbha is an asura, and you too; tell me, what will you do?” Thus addressed, the demon lord rushed forward, armed with weapons.