In ancient times, among the mighty Daityas, there arose three powerful Indras who ruled with strength and splendor. Under their sway, the threefold world remained undisturbed and unchallenged for ten full ages, their sovereignty unbroken by any rival. Yet, as the cycles of time turned, Prahlada was slain, and the reign of Paka—Indra of the gods—began. At this turning point, Shukra, the wise preceptor of the Daityas, abandoned the demons and went to the side of the gods. During a great sacrifice, as Shukra approached the gods, the sons of Diti called out to him in distress, “Why have you left our kingdom and returned to the sacrifice before our very eyes?” Despairing, the Daityas said, “We cannot remain here; let us descend into the netherworld.” Seeing their sorrow, Shukra gently comforted them, saying, “Do not fear, O demons. I will sustain you with my own power—with mantras, with herbs, with essences, and with the highest wealth. All these things are with me, and though their roots are among the gods, I hold them for your sake.” Witnessing the protection Shukra gave to the Daityas, the gods grew anxious and conspired together. “Shukra turns all things from us by his power,” they said. “Let us quickly depart before he instructs them further. Or let us destroy the survivors and send them to the netherworld!” Inflamed with anger, the gods attacked the Danavas. As the gods struck, the Daityas rushed to Shukra for refuge. Seeing the gods’ relentless pursuit, Shukra acted, but when he withdrew his protection, the gods, afflicted by the demons, saw Shukra standing firm and, without fear, abandoned the Daityas. Then Kāvya, the wise Brāhmaṇa, pondered deeply and spoke words of wisdom to the Daityas, recalling the past: “The three worlds have been taken from you by Vāmana in three steps. Bali has been bound, Jambha has been slain, and Virocana has fallen. The great Asuras have perished in twelve battles with the gods, and by many means your leaders have been destroyed. You who remain are but few. I counsel you: do not fight further. Instead, I will seek a strategy—wait for the proper time. I will approach Mahādeva to obtain mantras of victory. When I have received from the great lord those mantras that cannot be countered, we will challenge the gods again, and then you shall surely triumph.” The Asuras agreed and spoke to the gods, “We have laid down our weapons, set aside our armor, and abandoned our chariots. We will practice austerities, clad in bark garments in the forest, as Prahlada once advised.” Hearing their resolve, the gods withdrew, their worries eased, and departed joyfully as the Daityas renounced their arms. Kāvya then instructed the Asuras, “Remain steadfast in austerity and undistracted until the time for action arrives. Stay in my father’s hermitage and wait for me.” Having thus guided them, Kāvya approached Mahādeva and prayed, “O god, grant me those mantras which even Bṛhaspati does not possess, to ensure the defeat of the gods and the victory of the Asuras.” Mahādeva replied, “O Bhārgava, undertake a vow for a thousand years, standing with your head downward and smoke as your only food. If you complete this, you will gain the mantras you seek. May all be well for you.” Receiving this command, Śukra, son of Bhṛgu, bowed at the god’s feet and agreed, “So be it, O lord. I will perform the vow as you have instructed.” As Śukra departed, Mahādeva sent Kuṇḍadhāra, the smoke-bearer, to accompany him. There, at Maheśvara’s abode, Śukra dwelt in celibacy, seeking the mantras for the sake of the Asuras. Meanwhile, the gods, perceiving that the Asuras had set aside their rule and seeing an opportunity, were seized by anger. Led by Bṛhaspati, they attacked the unarmed Asuras. As the gods advanced, weapons in hand, the Asura hosts rose up in fear and cried out, “You promised us safety when we laid down our weapons and our teacher undertook his vow. Now, with our teacher absent and our arms cast aside, you come to destroy us. We are defenseless, clad in bark and antelope skins, inactive and possessing nothing.” Knowing they could not prevail in battle, the Asuras resolved, “Let us seek refuge with Kāvyamātā and endure this hardship until our teacher returns. When Śukra comes back, we will fight with weapons in hand.” With this, they all sought shelter with Kāvyamātā, who, seeing their plight, reassured them, “Do not fear, O Dānavas. While you remain with me, you are safe.” But the gods, disregarding her protection, attacked the Asuras by force. Angered by this injustice, the goddess declared, “I will make you all bereft of Indra!” Summoning her powers, she approached Indra and, with the force of her asceticism and yoga, paralyzed him. Seeing their lord struck down, the gods were seized with terror and fled. Then Viṣṇu spoke to Śakra, “Enter into me, and blessings to you. I will lead you, best of gods.” So Purandara entered Viṣṇu, and when the goddess saw Indra protected by Viṣṇu, her anger blazed, and she spoke once more, her words charged with divine power.