Kāvya, the wise teacher of the Asuras, gathered the Dānavas before him and spoke with solemn resolve: “Remain here for some time, steadfast in your austerities, undistracted, until the destined moment for action arrives. Abide in my father’s hermitage and wait for me.” Thus instructing the Asuras, Kāvya turned his steps toward the great lord, Mahādeva, seeking a boon. Approaching the supreme deity, Kāvya addressed him with reverence: “O God, I desire those mantras unknown even to Bṛhaspati, that the Asuras may triumph and the gods be defeated.” Hearing this earnest request, Mahādeva replied, “O Bhārgava, undertake a vow for a full thousand years—stand with your head downward, taking only smoke as your sustenance. If you complete this penance, the mantras shall be yours. May all go well for you.” Receiving the command, Śukra, son of Bhṛgu, bowed at the god’s feet and declared, “So be it, O Lord. I will begin the vow today, as you have instructed.” As Śukra departed, Mahādeva sent Kuṇḍadhāra, the bearer of smoke, to attend him. There, for the sake of the Asuras, Śukra dwelt in celibacy at Maheśvara’s holy place, seeking the coveted mantras through severe austerity. Meanwhile, the gods learned of the Asuras’ withdrawal from their usual ways and saw that, according to policy, the Asuras had set aside their rule. Angered by this opportunity, the gods, armed and led by Bṛhaspati, attacked. As the gods approached, weapons raised, the Asura hosts rose in fear and addressed their adversaries: “You gave us assurance of safety when our weapons were laid down and our teacher was engaged in penance, yet now you come to slay us. We are without a teacher, O gods, standing here defenseless, clad in bark and black antelope skins, inactive and possessing nothing. We cannot prevail against you in battle; rather, let us seek refuge with Kāvyamātā.” Resolving to endure until their teacher’s return, the Asuras went together to Kāvyamātā, who, seeing their fear, granted them protection. “Do not be afraid, O Dānavas,” she assured them. “While you remain in my presence, you have nothing to fear.” But the gods, seeing the Asuras sheltered by Kāvyamātā, attacked them by force, disregarding all considerations of strength or weakness. Witnessing the oppression of the Asuras, the goddess was filled with anger and spoke to the gods: “I shall render you all without Indra!” Gathering her powers, she approached Indra, and by her great asceticism and yoga, she paralyzed him. Seeing their lord subdued, the gods were struck with terror and fled. Then Viṣṇu addressed Śakra, saying, “Enter into me, O best of gods, and blessings to you; I will protect you.” Thus urged, Indra entered Viṣṇu. But seeing Indra now shielded by Viṣṇu, the goddess, enraged, declared, “Now, together with Viṣṇu, I shall burn you both before the eyes of all beings—let my ascetic power be seen!” Overpowered by her might, Indra and Viṣṇu were bound fast. In their distress, Viṣṇu asked Indra, “How shall we free ourselves?” Indra replied, “Strike her down before she destroys us! I am overwhelmed by her power—strike quickly, do not delay.” Viṣṇu hesitated, troubled by the thought of slaying a woman, but seeing no other way, he took up his discus to avert disaster. Driven by urgency and fear, Viṣṇu, knowing the goddess’s cruel intent, angrily wielded his weapon and, in haste, severed her head. Witnessing this terrible act of slaying a woman, Bhṛgu, lord among sages, was seized with wrath. He cursed Viṣṇu, saying, “Though you know righteousness, you have slain a woman who should not be killed. Therefore, you shall be born seven times among men.” Thus, by Bhṛgu’s curse, Viṣṇu descends to earth again and again, whenever righteousness wanes, for the welfare of the world. Moved by compassion, Bhṛgu recited a sacred formula to Viṣṇu, then took the severed head, placed it upon the body, and spoke: “O goddess, you were slain by Viṣṇu; I will restore you to life. If I have truly known or practiced righteousness, by that truth may you live.” Sprinkling her with cool water, Bhṛgu declared, “Live!” and at his words, the goddess revived, as if awakened from a deep sleep. All beings marveled and exclaimed “Excellent, excellent!” in every direction, for the goddess had been restored before the eyes of the gods by the unshaken Bhṛgu. Yet Indra found no peace, for he still feared Kāvya’s return. Remaining vigilant, Indra addressed his daughter Jayantī: “Kāvya is performing a terrible vow against his enemies, and because of this, I am greatly disturbed by the wise Bhṛgu. Go, serve him with pleasant acts that ease his fatigue and delight his mind. Honor him so that he is pleased, for you have been given to him. Make every effort for my sake.” Accepting her father’s words, Jayantī went to where Kāvya stood, engaged in fierce austerity—drinking only smoke, standing with his head downward, enduring the blows of a yakṣa, and being drenched with water.