The wise, steadfast in their resolve, always meditate within their hearts on the Supreme Power—the Goddess—who is known as Brahman, the eternal and imperishable Self. They recognize her as everlasting and unchanging. Thus, it is declared that the Supreme Power alone is always to be revered and served by those who possess true wisdom; this is the ultimate conclusion of all the scriptures, O best of sages. This profound teaching, I heard from Krishna himself, and in turn, I learned it from the sage Narada. Narada, too, received it from his father, and ultimately, this knowledge was passed down from Brahma, who heard it directly from Vishnu. Therefore, the wise should not heed the words of those who speak otherwise, nor should they entertain any contrary ideas. Only the Supreme Power is to be served with unwavering devotion by the truly wise. Even the actions of those who appear powerless should be observed carefully, for in all beings, it is the Power alone that is to be truly known and recognized. Now, as the story unfolds, when sleep departed from the body of the Lord of the Universe, it exited from 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 awoke, stretching and yawning repeatedly. As he regained his awareness, he saw Prajapati Brahma standing before him, trembling with fear. The mighty Lord then addressed Brahma with a voice as deep as thunderclouds: “O revered one, why have you come here, abandoning your austerities, O Lotus-born? Why are you so anxious, your mind so overwhelmed by fear?” Brahma replied, “O Lord, two terrible demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, born from the dirt of your ears, have arisen. They are monstrous in form and immense in strength, and they seek to destroy me. Out of fear, I have fled to your presence, O Lord of the world. Save me, O Vāsudeva! I am terrified and bewildered.” Vishnu reassured him: “Remain here without fear; I will surely slay them. These two fools have come to me for battle, and their lifespans have reached their end.” As Vishnu spoke these words, the two mighty demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, arrived, searching for the unborn Brahma, intoxicated with pride. Standing unsupported in the cosmic waters, free from distress, they addressed Brahma arrogantly: “So, you have fled and taken refuge with him—what of it? Fight us! We will slay you right before his eyes. Afterwards, we will kill him too, who sits upon the coils of the serpent. Today, either fight us, or declare yourself our servant.” Hearing these defiant words, Vishnu, also known as Janārdana, spoke to the demons: “Fight with me as you wish. I will humble your pride, both of you who are so intoxicated. Come, O mighty ones, if you have the courage.” Provoked, the eyes of both demons blazed with anger as they prepared for battle, standing unsupported in the vast waters. Madhu, enraged, rushed furiously to combat Hari, while Kaitabha stood ready as well. A fierce wrestling match ensued, both adversaries intoxicated with the joy of battle. When Madhu grew weary, Kaitabha took his place, and again and again, the two demons fought with the mighty Vishnu, blinded by their passion, engaging in relentless hand-to-hand combat. Brahma, observing the struggle, and the Goddess dwelling in the sky, watched without fatigue. Yet, the two demons did not tire, while Vishnu himself began to show signs of exhaustion. For five thousand years, the battle raged on, and Hari pondered the cause of their seeming invincibility: “For five thousand years I have fought, yet these fierce demons show no sign of weariness, while I am exhausted. This is truly astonishing. Where has my strength and valor gone? Why are these two not weakened? What is the reason for this? I must consider carefully.” Seeing Hari absorbed in such thoughts, the two demons, still intoxicated with pride, spoke with voices as deep as thunderclouds: “If your strength is insufficient, Vishnu, and you are weary from battle, then simply say, ‘I am your servant,’ and join your hands upon your head. If today you are unable to fight, O wise one, then after slaying you, we shall also kill the Four-faced One.” Hearing their words in the midst of the great ocean, Vishnu, ever high-minded, spoke gentle and conciliatory words: “True heroes do not strike those who are weary, afraid, disarmed, fallen, or mere children—this is the eternal law. For five thousand years I have fought here alone, while you two brothers, strong and equal to me, have repeatedly taken rest during the battle. Likewise, after I too have rested, I will resume the fight—of this there is no doubt. While you two, mighty and intoxicated with strength, stand ready, allow me to rest; then I will fight again, according to the path of righteousness.” Hearing his words, the two foremost Dānavas, confident in their power, stood at a distance on the battlefield, resolved to continue. Seeing them thus, Vāsudeva, four-armed, pondered deeply in his mind the secret of their death. Through contemplation, knowledge arose within him: both Madhu and Kaitabha had received boons from the Goddess, granting them the power to choose the moment of their death, and so they did not weaken. Vishnu realized, “In vain have I fought; this effort of mine has been wasted. Knowing this truth, how can I continue the battle? Yet, if I do not fight, how will these two Dānavas, ever proud of their boon, meet their destruction, which alone will bring an end to suffering? The boon granted by the Goddess is indeed difficult to overcome; even if one desires death, unless afflicted with suffering, he does not wish for it.” Thus, the Lord pondered, seeking the way to bring about the end of the two mighty demons, as the power of the Goddess and the mystery of her boons unfolded before him.