The two brothers, having grasped the practice they had undertaken, devoted themselves to it with unwavering repetition. As they persisted, a radiant and auspicious flash appeared before them, rising in the sky. Witnessing this divine vision, the brothers understood without doubt that what they saw was indeed a mantra, and, in the same way, they perceived a meditation in the sky, resplendent with noble qualities. Embracing fasting and self-control, they absorbed their minds completely, focusing solely on recitation and meditation. Their devotion was total as they reflected deeply in this manner. For a thousand years, these two performed severe austerities, their efforts so great that the supreme power herself was pleased. At last, she appeared before them in her highest, most glorious form. The two demons, exhausted yet steadfast in their penance, beheld her. For their blessing, a bodiless, divine voice spoke to them, saying, "O Daityas, ask for the boon you desire—whatever your hearts wish. I am pleased with your austerity and will grant your request." Hearing this celestial promise, the two demons addressed the Goddess: "O Devi, grant us this boon, O virtuous one: let us die only by our own will." The voice replied, "By my grace, O Daityas, your death will come only at your own wish. Among gods and demons, you two brothers shall be invincible—there is no doubt of this." Thus blessed by the Goddess, the two demons were filled with pride. They played joyfully in the ocean, accompanied by hosts of aquatic beings. In time, by chance, they came upon Prajāpati Brahmā, the Lord himself, seated serenely upon a lotus. Seeing the great Brahmā, the two mighty and battle-eager demons rejoiced. They approached him and said, "O virtuous one, grant us a fight! Otherwise, abandon the lotus and depart wherever you wish without delay. If you are powerless, what right have you to this auspicious seat? This place is meant for heroes; why are you afraid? Leave at once!" Hearing their bold words, the Lord of creatures became anxious. Observing the two powerful heroes before him, Brahmā wondered, "What should I do?" He stood there, his mind troubled, pondering his predicament. Considering the situation, Brahmā, wise in all means of resolving conflict—conciliation, gifts, division, and force—reflected deeply. "I do not know the true strength of these two," he thought. "When the power of the opponent is unknown, it is not wise to engage in battle. If I try to appease these wicked, intoxicated beings, my own weakness will be revealed. If my weakness is exposed, one of them will surely kill me. Gifts and alliances are not suitable now—how can I create division between them?" He resolved, "Today I will awaken Viṣṇu, Janārdana, who sleeps upon Śeṣa, the four-armed one of great might. He is the remover of distress." With this decision, Brahmā, seated upon the lotus, sought refuge in Viṣṇu, the destroyer of sorrow, focusing his thoughts intently. To awaken him, Brahmā praised Hari with auspicious words—Nārāyaṇa, Lord of the universe, steadfast in yogic sleep. He called out: "O Hari, Lord of the distressed, Viṣṇu, Vāmana, rise up, Mādhava! Remover of devotees' suffering, Hṛṣīkeśa, abode of all, Lord of the world! Inner ruler, immeasurable self, Vāsudeva, destroyer of the wicked, single-minded one, wielder of the discus and mace! All-knowing, Lord of all worlds, endowed with all powers, arise, arise, O Lord of gods, destroyer of sorrow, protect me! Supporter of the universe, wide-eyed one, whose fame and praise are holy to hear, source of the world, formless one, cause of creation, preservation, and destruction! These two great demons, O King, eager to kill and maddened by pride—do you not know, O support of all, how I have come into distress? If you neglect me, overwhelmed by sorrow and seeking your refuge, O great Viṣṇu, then your role as protector is without foundation." Yet, though thus praised, the Blessed Hari did not awaken, remaining deep in yogic sleep. Brahmā reflected, "Surely Viṣṇu, seized by some great power, has fallen under the sway of sleep and does not awaken, though righteous. What shall I do now, afflicted as I am? Both these demons, intoxicated with pride and eager to kill, have come; what shall I do, where shall I go? I have no refuge anywhere." Having thus reflected and come to a decision, Brahmā fixed his heart in single-pointed concentration and praised Yoga-Nidrā, the very power who held Viṣṇu in her grasp. He thought, "This power alone is capable of protecting me, for even the insentient Viṣṇu has been rendered motionless by her. Just as one without life perceives nothing, so too does Hari, his eyes closed in sleep, perceive nothing. Though praised in many ways, he does not abandon sleep; I think sleep is not under his control—rather, he is subdued by sleep. Whoever falls under the power of another surely becomes their servant; therefore, this Yoga-Nidrā is the mistress of the lord Hari. By her, even the lord of Lakṣmī, born of the ocean, is subdued—surely this entire world is brought under her control. I, Viṣṇu, Śambhu, Sāvitrī, Lakṣmī, and Umā—all of us are under her power; there is no doubt of this. Even Hari lies powerless, just like any ordinary person; when he is overcome by her, what need is there to speak of other great souls?" With this realization, Brahmā resolved, "Today I praise Yoga-Nidrā, by whom Janārdana is released and the eternal Vāsudeva will accomplish battle." Thus, seated upon the lotus stalk, Brahmā began to praise Yoga-Nidrā, who was abiding upon the very limbs of Viṣṇu.