Kāvya, known as Śukra, addressed the assembled Dānavas, revealing himself: “Know me as Kāvya; the mighty Lord of the Mountain is pleased. Alas, you have all been deceived! Listen, O Dānavas.” His words stirred confusion and agitation among the Asuras, who stared in amazement at the two figures seated before them. Bewildered and unable to grasp what was happening, the Asuras listened as Kāvya continued, “I am your teacher Kāvya; this is Aṅgirā, the teacher of the gods. Follow me, O Daityas, and abandon this Bṛhaspati.” But even as they looked from one to the other, the Asuras could not distinguish between them. Then Bṛhaspati, serene and steadfast in his austerities, spoke: “I am Kāvya, your teacher, O Daityas; this is Bṛhaspati in my form. He is deluding you, O Asuras, by taking my form.” Hearing this, the Asuras conferred among themselves: “This lord has instructed us constantly for ten years; he is truly our teacher. This twice-born seeks to intrude among us.” Their trust in their teacher unwavering, the Dānavas bowed before him and accepted his words. Through long familiarity, they were not deceived. Their eyes reddened with anger, the Asuras declared, “He is our teacher and benefactor; you go, you are not our guru. Whether Bhārgava or Vāṅgirā, this revered one is our guru; we remain under his command. You depart, do not delay.” Having spoken thus, all the Asuras approached Bṛhaspati, refusing the benefit offered by Kāvyā. Bhārgava, angered by their arrogance and lack of honor after his instruction, pronounced a curse: “Therefore, you will lose your awareness and suffer defeat.” With these words, Kāvyā departed as he had come. Bṛhaspati, knowing Kāvyā had cursed the Asuras, joyfully resumed his own form, his purpose fulfilled. Understanding that the Asuras had been defeated by wisdom, he vanished, leaving the Dānavas confused and disoriented. They cried out, “Alas, we have been deceived!”—turning to each other, struck by the illusion of Āṅgirasa. Each Asura, dissatisfied and tricked by illusion, quickly sought out Kāvyā, with Prahlāda at their head, following after their teacher. Standing before Kāvyā with faces cast down, the Asuras gathered once more, and Kāvyā addressed the sacrificers, “Since you all, having been instructed by me, did not honor me, therefore, through that disrespect, you have met with defeat.” Hearing this, Prahlāda, his voice choked with tears, pleaded, “Do not abandon us, Bhārgava.” Bhārgava, honor those who seek refuge and your devotees; when you are unseen, we are deceived by that divine teacher. You ought to recognize your devotees with your long-ascetic vision. If you do not show us favor, O son of Bhṛgu, then, condemned by you, we shall enter the netherworld today. Kāvyā, moved by their earnest entreaties and compassion, restrained his anger and said, “Do not fear, do not go to the netherworld. The destined events must indeed occur while I am vigilant; it cannot be otherwise, for fate is most powerful. The awareness you lost today, you will regain; after defeating the gods even once, you will attain the netherworld.” When the appointed time arrived, Brahmā spoke, “By my grace, you have enjoyed the three worlds with great power. Ten complete cycles called yugas have passed, and having surpassed the gods, Brahmā ruled for this entire period. In the era of Sāvarṇi, kingship will again be yours; your grandson Bali will once more become lord of the worlds.” Brahmā’s words echoed the boon granted by Viṣṇu to Bali, Prahlāda’s grandson, when the worlds were taken away. Because Bali’s undertakings were resolved with clarity and virtuous conduct, the Self-born granted this to you. “Bali will become king of the gods,” the Lord told me; therefore, he remains invisible to beings, awaiting the proper time. Another boon was also given to you by the Self-born, out of satisfaction; therefore, you should remain unconcerned, together with the Asuras, until the appointed time. Kāvyā explained, “I was not able to tell you this before, O mighty one, for Brahmā forbade me, knowing the future. These two disciples of mine, both from Bṛhaspati, have come to me; together with the gods, they will sustain all beings.” Thus addressed, all the Asuras, with Kāvyā whose deeds are pure, joyfully departed together with the great-souled Prahlāda. Hearing Śukra’s words about what must come to pass, and inspired by hope for victory, the armed Asuras challenged the gods. Seeing the Asuras gathered for battle, the gods assembled their forces and engaged them in combat. In the great battle between gods and Asuras, which lasted a hundred years, the Asuras defeated the gods. The gods then consulted among themselves, saying, “Let us summon those two by sacrifice; then we shall defeat the Asuras.” Thus, the gods invited Śaṇḍa and Amarka.