O wise one, listen as the narrative unfolds, woven faithfully from the sacred verses. The learned declare that true knowledge arises from direct perception, and the wise must always examine it carefully, considering examples and following the path shown by the truly learned. Even the sages, as sung in the Puranas, affirm: Brahma holds the power of creation, while Hari—Vishnu—possesses the power of preservation. But this is not all. Hari also bears the power of dissolution, Surya radiates with illuminating power, and the strength to uphold the earth resides in Shesha, the serpent, and likewise in the form of Kurma, the tortoise. This primal power, manifesting in many forms, pervades all things: in fire lies the power to burn, and in wind, the power to move. Even Shiva himself is rendered inert if deprived of Kundalini, the vital power; the wise know that without power, one is incapable of any action. Thus, in every being—whether moving or unmoving, from Brahma down to the smallest blade of grass—throughout this universe, it is power alone that makes action possible. Whatever is without power is censured by the wise as mere substance, unable to achieve victory, to move, or even to eat. Therefore, this all-pervading power is discerned as Brahman itself, worthy of worship in many ways, and always to be carefully examined by the wise. In Vishnu, this power is of sattvic nature; bereft of it, he cannot act. In Brahma, it is rajasic; without it, he cannot create. In Shiva, the power is tamasic, and by it, he brings about dissolution. Thus, all these truths must be pondered again and again. It is power that creates the universe, sustains it, and, by its will, dissolves it—both the moving and the unmoving. Neither Vishnu, nor Shiva, nor Indra, nor Brahma, nor Agni, nor Surya, nor Varuna can accomplish their tasks independently. Empowered by her—the Great Power—the gods fulfill their duties; she alone is directly perceived in all causes and effects. The wise describe her as both with attributes and without; those attached to desires worship her in her manifest forms, while the detached revere her as the formless Absolute. She, untroubled, is the sovereign of righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation; when worshipped according to proper rites, she grants all desired boons. Yet, deluded people, veiled by her own illusion, fail to recognize her; even among those who know, some mislead others. There are scholars, their minds dulled by the influence of Kali, who propound heretical doctrines for their own gain. In this age of Kali, O fortunate one, countless divisions and non-Vedic practices have arisen—such confusion was never seen in earlier ages. Even fierce Vishnu performs austerities for many years; Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the three great gods, constantly meditate upon some eternal principle. These three, always desiring, perform various sacrifices, yet in their minds, they meditate unceasingly on the supreme power—the Goddess—known as Brahman, the supreme Self, eternal and everlasting. Therefore, the wise, steadfast in their purpose, should always serve this Power; this is the conclusion of all the scriptures, O best of sages. I heard this teaching from Krishna, who received it from Narada, who in turn learned it from his father, and from Brahma by the word of Vishnu. The wise should neither listen to nor consider the words of others; only this Power is always to be served by those who are resolute. Even the actions of the powerless should be observed directly, for in all beings, it is only Power that is truly to be known. Now, hear what transpired next. When the Lord of the universe awoke, sleep departed from his body, exiting through his eyes, mouth, nose, arms, heart, and chest. Emerging thus, the supreme tamasic power stood revealed in the sky, and the Lord of the world—Vishnu—arose, stretching and yawning repeatedly. Then he beheld Prajapati, Brahma, standing before him, trembling with fear. The mighty Vishnu addressed him, his voice deep as thunderclouds: “O revered one, why have you come here, abandoning your austerities, O Lotus-born? Why is your mind so agitated with fear?” Brahma replied, “O Lord, two demons—Madhu and Kaitabha—have arisen from the dirt of your ears. They are terrible in form and immense in strength, and they seek to destroy me. Out of terror, I have sought refuge in you, O Vāsudeva; save me, for I am bewildered and afraid.” Vishnu assured him, “Remain here, fearless. I will surely slay them. Those two fools, their lifespans ended, have come to me seeking battle.” As Vishnu spoke, the two mighty demons arrived, searching for the unborn Brahma, intoxicated with pride. Standing unsupported upon the waters, free from distress and maddened with arrogance, they addressed Brahma: “Having fled, you have come into his presence—so what? Fight! We will kill you right before him. Afterwards, we shall destroy him as well, he who reclines upon the serpent’s coils. Today, either fight, or declare yourself our servant.” Upon hearing this, Vishnu—Janārdana—spoke to those foremost of demons: “Come, fight with me as you wish. I will humble your pride, both of you who are intoxicated. If you have faith in your strength, come forth, O mighty ones.” Hearing these words, both demons, their eyes wild with anger, readied themselves for battle, still standing unsupported in the water. Madhu, enraged, rushed swiftly to fight with Hari, while Kaitabha stood firm, prepared for combat. Thus, the great confrontation was set, with the Lord ready to defend creation, and the demons advancing in their pride.