As dawn approached, a solemn promise was made: when the destined hour arrived, Aurva’s son—having been honored with offerings from the Pitṛs—would find happiness. But questions arose: where would this mighty being reside, and what sustenance would he receive? The Lord assured that arrangements would be made for this one of great energy. It was declared that his dwelling would be at the mouth of the submarine fire in the ocean. The sage was told, “My womb is water, and happiness will come to him who drinks it.” Wherever water had been offered as a libation, that offering was now bestowed for Aurva’s son, and that place would become his abode. Then, at the end of the age, it was foretold that water and fire would roam together, removing the debts of those who had no offspring. This fire, which consumed water, had been created for the end of time—a force destined to burn all beings, including gods, asuras, and rākṣasas. Agni, his flames encircling him, accepted this fate, casting his radiance upon his father before entering the mouth of the ocean. Witnessing the brilliance of Aurva’s fire, Brahma and all the great sages returned to their own abodes. Hiranyakashipu, witnessing this wondrous event, bowed deeply and spoke with reverence: “Blessed one, this marvel has unfolded before the world’s eyes. Your austerity has satisfied even the Grandsire himself. Know that I am a servant to you and your son, O great-vowed sage, if such service can be rendered. I am wholly devoted to your worship; if I fail, let the defeat be mine alone. I am blessed and favored, for you, my teacher, stand before me. By your austerity, O virtuous one, I have no fear today.” He then offered a special illusion, created by his own son—a fire-formed power, without fuel, unconquerable even by flames. “Take up this illusion,” he said, “for it will subdue your lineage, protect your allies, and consume your enemies.” Aurva accepted this power, bowed to the foremost sage, and, his purpose fulfilled, the lord of the Daityas joyfully ascended to heaven. This illusion, formidable even for the gods, had been created long ago by Aurva, son of Urva, from fire. Yet when the Daitya was overthrown, the power lost its effectiveness, for Aurva himself had placed a curse upon it. A plea was made: to check this illusion and please the Blessed One, let Soma, Indra, Varuna, and the Moon be given as companions. With them and the support of the Yadus, the illusion would be destroyed by favor, without doubt. Indra, the increaser of the gods, joyfully agreed and summoned Soma, the cool-armed one, to the front for battle. He instructed Soma: “Go and aid the wielder of the noose for the destruction of the Asuras and the victory of the gods. You are equal to me in power and lord of the lords of light; all essence in the worlds is yours, as those who know taste declare. Your waxing and waning are manifest, like the circle of the ocean; you set the course of day and night, joining time in the world. Your mark upon the body, resembling the moon, is made of the shadow of the world; even the gods and star-born ones do not know it, O Soma. You are situated above the path of the sun and above the lights; dispelling darkness with your radiance, you illuminate the entire world. White-shining, cool-bodied, lord of the lights, you are the moon; appointed as the soul of time’s union, beloved, the essence of sacrifice, imperishable. Lord of plants, source of rituals, bearer of Hara’s crest, cool-rayed, holder of nectar, restless, with a white vehicle. You are the radiance among those with radiant forms; you are Soma among those who drink Soma; you are gentle among all beings, destroyer of darkness, ruler of the stars. Go, then, with Mahasena and Varuna with his troops; pacify the demonic illusion by which we are burned in battle.” Soma replied: “That which you ask of me for battle, O king of gods, bestower of boons, I now send forth coolness, drawing away the demon’s illusion. Behold those burned by my coolness, wrapped in frost, their illusions and pride destroyed—those lion-like demons in the great battle.” Having spoken thus, the lord of the stars, master of waters, flooded the armies of the gods with Shiva’s waters, increasing peace. The icy rains released by the moon, with ropes, enveloped the fierce demons like clusters of clouds, subduing their power and restoring harmony to the divine hosts.