Filled with great zeal, the assembly made their way to the hermitage of the Seven Sages. As they journeyed, the discussion arose: whatever deity a person desires, that indeed becomes his own deity. Yet, the wise reminded the kings that this rule does not always hold true—sometimes, it is otherwise. For the Brāhmaṇas, the deities Agni, Āditya, Brahmā, and the bearer of the Pināka bow are proclaimed as their objects of worship. Soma is said to be the deity for the Gandharvas and Yakṣas. Śaṅkara is worshipped by the Rākṣasas, Rudra as well, and for the Kiṃnaras, Pārvatī is their chosen goddess. The Manus honor Umā Devī, and likewise Viṣṇu together with the Sun. Among the Vaikhānasa sages, the Sun is declared as their deity, while ascetics revere Maheśvara. For all beings, the Blessed Lord Brahmā, god of gods and lord of creatures, is worshipped. Yet, it was proclaimed that the one whose banner is victory is truly worthy of Viṣṇu's worship. Thus, having conquered all their enemies in battle, the kings ruled the earth. But a terrifying being, dreadful to all creatures, appeared in their city. Grasping a trident that shone like the sun, he made the ten directions resound with its power. Fear swept through the people—some abandoned their lives, others fled in terror. The Dānavas fought valiantly, wielding spears, mountain peaks, swords, and maces. Yet the fierce-souled being restrained them, like Bhairava at the end of a kalpa. Prepared for battle, the Dānavas rushed at the bodiless one. Kṛṣṇa employed the Prajāpatya and Vāyavya weapons, and Dhṛṣṇa as well, but the Dānava shattered those weapons with his trident, empowering them with mantra and force and hurling them without a roar. Even so, he was unable to move the demon, who stood unmoved, like the moon at its end. In that dire moment, Jayadhvaja, wise in mind, remembered the Lord of the universe. He recalled the ancient Protector, the Lord of Śrī, clad in yellow garments. By the command of Vāsudeva, and to show favor to his devotee, Videha was sent against the demons, just as Hari had done before. Videha struck down the demon's head, shaped like a mountain peak, onto the earth. Victorious, they entered their beautiful city and honored their brother as well. The great sage Viśvāmitra came to see the son of Kārtavīrya. Having seated him on a splendid seat, Viśvāmitra worshipped him with devotion. The son of Kārtavīrya declared, "In battle, I have struck down Videha, lord of the demons. He sought refuge with me, and by that, I received auspicious grace. By what means, and in what manner, should Hari, the Lord, be worshipped? Tell me all this—I am most eager to know." Viśvāmitra replied, "That Viṣṇu, the soul of all beings—by taking refuge in him, one is liberated. He must be worshipped with a mind untainted by desire, and not otherwise." Thus, after being worshipped by heroes and others, Viṣṇu returned to his own abode. Through sacrifice, they worshipped Rudra—the imperishable one, attainable by sacrifice, free from desire. Gautama, Atri, and Agastya—all were devoted to Rudra. Viśvāmitra caused sacrifices to be performed for Janārdana, the primeval god and origin of beings. And then, the blessed Lord appeared, as if a wondrous miracle had manifested before them.