Out of fear, both Brahmā and another sought refuge at the feet of Vāsudeva, the Lord of the world. Brahmā, trembling and bewildered, pleaded, “Save me, O Vāsudeva, for I am terrified and overwhelmed by fear.” Viṣṇu, the compassionate protector, spoke reassuringly: “Stay here, now without fear. I will surely slay those two. Their time has come, and those foolish ones have come to me for battle, their lifespans at an end.” As the Lord of gods made this promise, the two mighty demons, Madhu and Kaiṭabha, intoxicated with pride and searching for the unborn one, arrived. They stood unsupported in the vast waters, free from distress and swollen with arrogance. With haughty words, they addressed Brahmā, O best of sages: “You have fled and come into his presence—so what? Fight! We will slay you right before him, in his very sight. Afterwards, we will kill him too, that one who sits upon the coils of the serpent. Today, either fight or declare yourself our servant!” Hearing their boastful challenge, Viṣṇu, known as Janārdana, addressed those foremost of demons: “Fight as you wish with me. I will take away your pride, both of you intoxicated with arrogance. Come, mighty ones, if you have faith in your strength.” Roused by these words, the two demons, their eyes wild with anger, readied themselves for battle, standing unsupported in the water. Madhu, enraged, rushed swiftly at Hari, while Kaiṭabha stood prepared as well. A fierce wrestling match ensued between Madhu and Hari, their struggle like that of mighty wrestlers. When Madhu grew weary, Kaiṭabha took his place, and again and again both Madhu and Kaiṭabha fought with the powerful Viṣṇu in hand-to-hand combat, blinded by their passion. Brahmā, the witness of all, and the goddess dwelling in the sky, watched without growing weary. Yet, though the two demons did not falter, Viṣṇu began to tire. Five thousand years passed in this titanic struggle, and Hari pondered the cause of their resilience. “For five thousand years I have fought, yet these fierce demons show no sign of weariness, while I am exhausted. This is astonishing. Where has my strength and valor gone? Why are these two not weakened? What is the cause of this? I must reflect upon it,” he thought. Perceiving Hari lost in thought, the two demons, still intoxicated with pride, thundered at him: “If your strength is not sufficient, Viṣṇu, and you are weary from battle, then say, ‘I am your servant,’ and join your hands upon your head. If today you are unable to fight, O wise one, then, having slain you, we shall also kill the Four-faced Brahmā.” Hearing their words in that great ocean, Viṣṇu, ever high-minded, replied with gentle, conciliatory speech: “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 in the midst of battle. Likewise, after I too have rested, I will fight again—of this there is no doubt. While you, powerful and intoxicated with strength, stand ready, let me rest; then, in accordance with justice, I will resume the battle.” Hearing this, the two foremost Dānavas, confident and resolved, stood at a distance on the battlefield. Seeing them standing far off, Vāsudeva, four-armed and wise, pondered deeply the cause of their seeming invincibility. Through contemplation, knowledge arose in him: both Madhu and Kaiṭabha had received boons from the Goddess. They had been granted the power to choose the moment of their own death, and thus, they did not weaken. “In vain have I fought; this effort of mine has been wasted. Knowing this certainty, how can I continue the battle? Yet if I do not fight, these two Dānavas, ever proud of their boon, will never meet the destruction that brings sorrow. The boon granted by the Goddess is truly difficult to overcome; even one who desires death does not wish for it unless afflicted by suffering. Even those beset by disease or misery do not wish to die—so how will these two, mad with pride, come to desire death?” Thus reflecting, Hari resolved: “Today I seek refuge in that knowledge and power which grants all desires; without her, no wish is fulfilled unless she is truly pleased.” As he pondered thus, the Blessed Viṣṇu beheld in the sky the enchanting Goddess of Yogic Sleep, standing radiant. With hands joined in reverence, the immeasurable one, knower of yoga, praised her—the bestower of boons, the Lady of the worlds—for the destruction of the two demons: “Salutations to you, O Goddess, Great Enchantress, doer of creation and destruction; O beginningless and endless Caṇḍī, giver of enjoyment and liberation, O auspicious one. I do not know your form, whether with attributes or without; O Goddess, how can I know your deeds, which are beyond counting? Today I have experienced your power, which is exceedingly difficult to comprehend, for though I was overcome by sleep, I have now regained consciousness. Even though Brahmā earnestly tried again and again to awaken me, I was not at all awakened, my six senses having been withdrawn. O Ambikā, by your power I became insensible; released by you, I am now awakened and have fought many battles. I am weary, yet those two are not fatigued, for you have granted them boons; the two arrogant Dānavas have come to slay Brahmā.” Thus, Viṣṇu invoked the grace of the Goddess, seeking her aid to overcome the invincible demons and restore order to the worlds.