The blessed Viṣṇu, known as Keśava and the slayer of Keśi, is the one to be worshipped. Yet, those who seek liberation are also taught to honor Rudra, the great destroyer. At the close of each kalpa, when the cycle of creation draws to an end, the Lord, taking on the quality of tamas, brings about dissolution. The trident-bearing Rudra, through the power of knowledge, brings all existence to its end. But it is through sattva, the pure and harmonious quality, that beings are liberated, and Lord Hari—Viṣṇu himself—is of this very nature. Endowed with sattva, he bestows liberation; thus, the worship of Lord Hara is also praised. The sages teach that one’s own prescribed duty is the true path to liberation; no other way is accepted by the wise. Above all, the highest duty is the worship of the ancient and immeasurably powerful Lord. Even Arjuna, our illustrious ancestor, fulfilled his own duty. The sages are the true authorities in these matters; whatever they declare, that indeed is the path to follow. With this understanding, all the assembled, filled with great zeal, made their way to the hermitage of the Seven Sages. It is said that whatever deity a person earnestly desires, that deity becomes their own. Yet, O kings, this rule is not absolute; there are exceptions. For Brāhmaṇas, the deities Agni, Āditya, Brahmā, and the wielder of the Pināka bow are prescribed. Soma is revered by the Gandharvas, and similarly by the Yakṣas. Śaṅkara is worshipped by the Rākṣasas, as is Rudra, while the Kiṃnaras honor Pārvatī. For the Manus, Umā Devī is worshipped, as well as Viṣṇu and the Sun. The Vaikhānasa sages revere the Sun, while ascetics honor Maheśvara. For all, the blessed Lord Brahmā, god of gods and lord of all creatures, is considered. Therefore, the one whose banner proclaims victory is truly worthy of Viṣṇu’s worship. Having overcome all their enemies in battle, these rulers established their reign over the earth. Yet, a terrifying being—dreadful to all creatures—came to their city. He seized a trident that shone like the sun, making the ten directions echo with its power. Many, struck by terror, abandoned their lives or fled. The Dānavas, however, stood firm, fighting fiercely with spears, mountain peaks, swords, and maces. But the fierce-souled adversary restrained them all, like Bhairava himself at the end of a kalpa. Prepared for battle, the Dānavas charged at the bodiless one. In response, Kṛṣṇa unleashed the mighty Prajāpatya and Vāyavya weapons, and Dhṛṣṇa joined as well. Yet the Dānava shattered these divine weapons with his trident, hurling them away with mantra and force, silent in his fury. Despite their efforts, they could not move the demon, who stood unmoved, like the moon at the end of its cycle. At this critical moment, Jayadhvaja, wise and steadfast, remembered the Lord of the universe. He recalled the ancient Protector, the Lord of Śrī, adorned in yellow garments. By the command of Vāsudeva, who wished to show favor to his devotee, Videha was sent forth against the demons, just as Hari himself had done in ages past. With a mighty blow, Videha struck down the demon’s head, as massive as a mountain peak, casting it to the earth. Victorious, the heroes entered their beautiful city and honored their brother as well. At that time, the great sage Viśvāmitra arrived to see the son of Kārtavīrya. Offering him a splendid seat, Viśvāmitra worshipped him with heartfelt devotion. And thus, it was declared: “In battle, I have struck down Videha, the lord of the demons.