Hear now a wondrous account of the Supreme Power and the unfolding of the cosmic battle. It is this Power that creates the universe, sustains all that exists, and, by its own will, dissolves the world of moving and unmoving beings. Without her, not even Vishnu, Hara, Shakra, Brahma, Agni, Surya, or Varuna can accomplish their tasks. Empowered by her alone, the gods perform their respective duties; she is clearly seen in all causes and effects. The wise describe her as both possessing attributes and beyond all attributes. Those who are attached to desires worship her as endowed with qualities, while those who are free from attachment worship her as the formless Absolute. Untroubled, she is the sovereign over righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation; when worshipped according to proper rites, she grants all that is wished for. Yet, most people, deluded by her own power of illusion, do not recognize her true nature. Even among those who know, some mislead others. In this age of Kali, scholars of dull mind, driven by Kali and seeking their own livelihood, establish various heretical doctrines, dividing the teachings in ways never seen in previous ages. Non-Vedic practices of dharma have arisen that were never known before. Even Vishnu, fierce and powerful, performs austerities for many years; Brahma, Hari, and Hara—the three great gods—constantly meditate on an eternal principle. They perform sacrifices and desire fulfillment, but always, in their minds, they meditate on the supreme power, the Goddess, who is called Brahman, the supreme Self—eternal and everlasting. Therefore, the wise, firm in resolve, should always serve this Power. This alone is the conclusion of all the scriptures. I have heard this teaching from Krishna, who learned it from Narada, who received 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 the Power is always to be served by those resolute in wisdom. Even the actions of the powerless reveal her; thus, in all beings, it is the Power alone that is to be known. Now, listen to what happened when sleep departed from the body of the Lord of the universe. That sleep exited from his eyes, mouth, nose, arms, heart, and chest, and the supreme tamasic power emerged and stood in the sky. The Lord of the world awoke, stretching and yawning again and again. As he awoke, he saw Prajapati, the Lotus-born Brahma, standing before him, terrified with fear. Vishnu, with a voice as deep as thunderclouds, addressed him: “O revered one, why have you come here, abandoning your austerities? Why are you so anxious, your mind overwhelmed by fear?” Brahma replied, “O God, the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha, born from the dirt of your ears, have come to kill me. They are terrifying in form and great in strength. Out of fear, I have come to your presence, Lord of the world. Save me, O Vāsudeva, for I am terrified and bewildered.” Vishnu reassured him, saying, “Remain here, now fearless; I will surely slay them. Those two fools have come for battle, their lifespans ended.” As the Lord of gods spoke thus, Madhu and Kaitabha, mighty and intoxicated with pride, arrived, searching for the unborn one. Standing unsupported in the waters, free from distress, they addressed Brahma: “You have fled and come into his presence—so what? Fight! We will slay you right before him. Afterwards, we will kill him, who sits upon the coils of the serpent. Today, either fight or declare yourself our servant.” Hearing these words, Vishnu, called Janārdana, spoke to the foremost of demons: “Fight as you wish with me. I will take away your pride, both of you who are intoxicated; come, O mighty ones, if you have faith.” The two demons, their eyes wild with anger, prepared for battle, standing unsupported in the water. Madhu, enraged, rushed to fight with Hari, while Kaitabha readied himself as well. A fierce wrestling match ensued; when Madhu grew weary, Kaitabha took his place, and again they fought, blinded by passion, hand-to-hand against mighty Vishnu. Brahma, the observer, and the goddess dwelling in the sky, watched without weariness, but the two demons did not tire, while Vishnu began to feel fatigued. For five thousand years the battle raged, and Hari pondered the cause of their continued strength. He thought, “For five thousand years I have fought; yet these fierce demons are not weary, while I am exhausted—this is astonishing. Where has my strength and valor gone? Why are these two not weakened? What is the cause here? I must consider this in my mind.” Seeing Hari absorbed in such thoughts, the two, intoxicated with pride, spoke with voices deep as thunderclouds: “If your strength is not sufficient, Vishnu, and you are weary from battle, then say, ‘I am your servant,’ and join your hands upon your head. If today you are not able to engage in battle, then having slain you, we shall also kill the Four-faced One.” Hearing their words in the midst of the great ocean, Vishnu, high-minded, spoke gentle words, first conciliatory, preparing for what was to come.