Even those burdened by pain or suffering do not long for death—how then could these two, intoxicated by their own pride, ever desire their own end? With this thought, Viṣṇu, perceiving the challenge before him, turned his mind inward. He reflected, “Today, I must seek refuge in that supreme knowledge and power—the very source that fulfills all desires. Without her, nothing is accomplished; only when she is truly pleased are wishes fulfilled.” As he contemplated thus, the Blessed Viṣṇu beheld in the sky the radiant form of the Goddess of Yogic Sleep—Yoganidrā—enchanting and luminous. With hands folded in reverence, the immeasurable Lord, master of yoga and knower of its mysteries, praised her—the bestower of boons, the Lady of the worlds, to bring about the destruction of those two mighty adversaries. Viṣṇu addressed her with devotion: “Salutations to you, O Goddess, Great Enchantress, who creates and destroys all things. O beginningless and endless Caṇḍī, you grant both enjoyment and liberation. O auspicious one, I do not know your true form—whether you possess attributes or are beyond them. How can I fathom your deeds, which are countless and unfathomable? “Today, I have directly experienced your power, which is so difficult to grasp. Though I was overcome by deep sleep, now I am awake. Even though Brahmā tried again and again to rouse me, I remained unmoved, my six senses withdrawn.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 remain unwearied, for you have granted them boons. The two arrogant Dānavas have come to slay Brahmā. I summoned them willingly for single combat, O Honored One, and engaged them in a terrible battle in the great ocean. But then I learned of your wondrous boon of deathlessness to them. Understanding this, I have now sought refuge in you, the giver of refuge. “Mother, grant me your help, for I am exhausted by battle. Emboldened by your boon, those two torment the gods, O destroyer of affliction. They are intent on killing me—what am I to do, and where shall I go?” Thus addressed, the Goddess smiled gently and spoke. To the Lord of the Universe, Vāsudeva, the eternal, who bowed before her, the Goddess said: “O god of gods, O Hari, O Viṣṇu, go forth and fight again yourself. Deceive these two mighty warriors and slay them when they are deluded; I shall surely bewilder the Dānavas with my crooked glance. O Nārāyaṇa, swiftly slay them when they are deluded by my māyā.” Hearing her words, Viṣṇu was filled with joy. He returned to the battlefield and stood once more in the great ocean. Soon, those two formidable warriors, eager for combat, approached. Seeing Viṣṇu standing there, they rejoiced and called out, “Stand, stand, O great one! O four-armed, fight with us!” They declared, “Victory and defeat depend on fate. Today, the one with strength may win, but by fate even the weak may conquer. Therefore, a great soul should never indulge in excessive joy or sorrow. In the past, many Daityas were defeated by the enemy of the Dānavas. Now, fighting together with us, you have been overcome.” Having spoken thus, the two mighty-armed ones readied themselves for battle. Viṣṇu, seeing them, struck swiftly with his fist, performing a wondrous feat. Yet, those two, intoxicated by their own strength, struck Viṣṇu in return with their fists. A dreadful battle broke out between them. As the fierce struggle raged, Nārāyaṇa glanced toward the Goddess with a look of distress. Seeing Viṣṇu in such a state, full of compassion, the Goddess, her eyes shining like copper, laughed mightily. With sidelong glances, sharp as arrows of desire, she struck the two demons. Smiling gently, her glance suffused with affection and love, she cast her crooked gaze upon the wicked pair, and they became utterly bewildered. Tormented by the arrows of desire and recognizing something marvelous, the two demons stood transfixed, gazing at the radiant and clear form of the Goddess. Hari, also perceiving the Goddess’s intention, saw that the two were enchanted and understood the moment had come. He spoke to them, smiling gently, his voice resonant as thunder: “O heroes, choose a boon, whatever you desire. With utmost delight, I grant whatever you wish for in this battle. Many demons have fought with me before, but none have been seen or heard who are equal to you two. Therefore, I am pleased with your incomparable strength. O mighty ones, I will grant whatever desire you brothers have.” Hearing Viṣṇu’s words, the two, proud and love-stricken, gazed at Mahāmāyā, the joy of the world, and spoke to Viṣṇu, the lotus-eyed: “O Hari, we are not petitioners; why do you wish to give? O Lord of the gods, grant equally; we are givers, not beggars. You, Hṛṣīkeśa, request whatever boon your heart desires; be pleased with the wondrous battle with Vāsudeva.” Upon hearing this, Janārdana replied, “Let it be today that you are pleased with me—both of you shall be slain by me.” Sūta said: Hearing Viṣṇu’s words, the two demons were utterly astonished. Feeling deceived, they stood, filled with sorrow. Reflecting deeply, they spoke to Viṣṇu, seeing the whole earth as water, devoid of dry land: “O Hari, the boon you granted before, O Janārdana, you are ever truthful, O Lord of the gods; give us that desired boon.” Thus, the story unfolded, with the Goddess’s māyā and Viṣṇu’s wisdom entwined, guiding the fate of the mighty Dānavas.