For a long time, the mighty Daityas of Tripura lived in prosperity and harmony. They faithfully worshipped the gods and honored the Brahmins, spending their days reciting mantras for virtue, wealth, and desire. Time flowed peacefully in their splendid cities, and all seemed well. But then, a shadow crept into Tripura. Misfortune arrived, bringing with it jealousy, thirst, hunger, strife, and quarrel. These dire forces entered the city together, slipping in as dusk fell, and fear began to spread among the people. Like diseases silently invading a body, these calamities mingled among the inhabitants of Tripura. In the night, these forces, guided by Maya, entered the very heart of Tripura. To the Daityas, they appeared in terrifying forms within their dreams, and from there, they entered their very beings. When the thousand-rayed sun—the source of all auspicious light—rose in the morning, Maya himself entered the great assembly hall. He appeared like a dark cloud before the brilliance of two suns. There, on a seat adorned with gold and shining like the peak of Mount Meru, Maya sat as if upon a golden mountain from which clear waters flow. At Maya’s side, like young elephants beside their lord, sat the Daityas Tāraka and Vidyunmālī. Around them gathered all the enemies of the gods, their anger unrestrained, their wounds from battle still fresh. Firmly they took their seats in the assembly. When all were settled, Maya, the master of illusion, addressed the Daityas. He said, “O sky-roaming sons of Daksha's daughter, listen to me! I have seen a most dreadful dream.” “In my vision, four fearsome women and three mortals, their faces blazing with wrath like fire, entered Tripura at night. These enraged beings, of incomparable might, took on many forms and entered our cities. They penetrated even our own bodies.” “The city of Tripura, along with your own households, is now shrouded in darkness, as if submerged in the ocean’s depths. I saw a beautiful woman riding an owl, another naked woman astride a donkey, women laughing together, and one embracing as a woman embraces a man. There was also one with a moon-mark, four feet, and three eyes.” “Who incited that woman, and who awakened me myself—I saw her, terrifying beyond measure. Such a vision has come to me, O sons of Diti. What does this mean? What suffering will this bring to the Asuras?” “If you consider me worthy to be your king, and if you seek what is best, listen closely and do not let envy take root in your hearts. Abandon desire, jealousy, anger, and spite. Stand firm in truth, self-control, righteousness, and the teachings of the sages.” “Let peace reign, and let the great Lord be honored. If this dream ends, perhaps all will be well. Surely Rudra, the three-eyed god of gods, is not angered—for we see signs and omens among us Asuras in Tripura.” “Avoid quarrels and cultivate honesty. Wait for the outcome of this dream and for the unfolding of time. Remember my words, sons of Daksha’s daughter: those who are filled with anger and jealousy are seen heading toward their own destruction.” But the Asuras, perceiving their own impending ruin and enveloped by misfortune, gazed at each other with eyes blazing with wrath. Overcome by fate, the Danavas of Tripura abandoned truth and righteousness, and began to act in unrighteous ways. They grew to hate virtuous Brahmins, ceased worshipping the gods, disrespected their teachers, and quarreled among themselves. They mocked their duties, insulted each other, and spoke only of themselves. They shouted at their elders, ignored honors, and were suddenly overcome with tears and longing. At night, they ate curds, parched grain, milk, and wood-apple fruits, and slept covered, leaving their food unfinished. After passing urine, they no longer washed their feet, and lay down on beds, neglecting the practices of cleanliness. Out of fear, they shrank away like mice before cats. After approaching their wives, they did not purify themselves, shameless in their secret acts. Once of good conduct, the dwellers of Tripura became corrupt, oppressing the gods and ascetics. Even when restrained by Maya, they rushed toward destruction, seeking quarrels and harming Brahmins. The beautiful groves and forests—Vaibhraja, Nandana, Caitraratha, Ashoka, Varaashoka, and the ever-flourishing woods—were all destroyed by their fury. Heaven itself, the abode of the gods, and the sacred forests of the ascetics, once belonging to the gods, were laid waste. The shrines and hermitages of the gods were ruined, the worshippers of gods and Brahmins scattered. The world was assailed by these wicked kings among the immortals, as crops are ravaged by swarms of locusts. When the impious and wicked Daityas prevailed, and the worlds and forests of ascetics were being overthrown, a great terror fell upon all beings. The sky echoed with the roaring of the Asuras, creatures trembled in fear, and the three worlds, bewildered and terrified, were plunged into darkness. In their fear, the Adityas, Vasus, Sadhyas, Pitris, and hosts of Maruts all sought refuge with Brahma, the grandsire. They approached him as he sat upon a golden lotus, bowed before him—he who possesses five faces and four heads—and addressed him with reverence. They said, “O sinless one, protected by your boon, the Daityas dwelling in Tripura now oppress us. Therefore, command your servants as you see fit.