In that extraordinary moment, the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, all the gods, and the hosts of Maruts appeared upon every limb of the Supreme Being. Gandharvas and apsaras, too, adorned his divine form, manifesting the countless glories of the Supreme Self. His broad chest shone with the mark of Srivatsa and the radiant Kaustubha gem, while a garland of forest flowers draped gracefully across him. He stood resplendent, armed with the conch, discus, mace, sword, the mighty Sharnga bow, and other celestial weapons. Beholding this embodiment of the essence of all the Upanishads, the son of the Daitya lord was overwhelmed with awe. Tears of joy streamed down his body as he bowed again and again before this vision. Yet, the king of the Daityas, burning with wrath as if seized by death itself, glared at Hari. With sword raised high, the demon king charged furiously at Narasimha. Spurred by their leader, the demon hosts regained their senses and surged forward, weapons in hand, attacking Hari with desperate haste—like countless stalks of straw cast heedlessly into a blazing fire. But just as straw is devoured by flames, all their mighty weapons were reduced to ashes upon touching Hari’s body. Witnessing this, Narasimha unleashed the fire of his blazing mane, scorching the demon armies with streams of flame. The lion-man incinerated the demons intensely, fire pouring forth from his mane, until all their hosts were utterly reduced to ashes and their strength annihilated. Only Prahlada and his followers were left unharmed, as Narasimha surveyed the battlefield, the demon forces utterly destroyed. Still burning with fury, the demon king drew his sword and rushed forward, but Narasimha seized him with just one arm. Like a mighty wind snapping a heavy branch, the Lord of the gods threw down the massive-bodied demon. Seizing the fallen king, Narasimha placed him upon his own lap and looked intently at his face, beholding the sinful acts committed against Vishnu, the great offense against a devotee. By the mere touch of Narasimha, the demon king was instantly reduced to ashes. The lion-man then tore apart the demon’s vast body with his thunderbolt-like claws. Even as his heart was pierced and his purpose fulfilled, the demon king, pure of soul, gazed directly at Hari’s face before relinquishing his life. Mahahari split the body into a hundred pieces and, pulling out the long entrails, draped them around his neck as ornaments. At this, all the hosts of gods and ascetic sages, led by Brahma and Rudra, slowly approached to praise Narasimha. Filled with awe and fear, they sought to soothe the blazing, many-faced Lord. Their minds turned to the Mother, the sustainer of worlds—the divine Lady, golden-hued and deer-like, destroyer of all calamities. Meditating upon Narayani, flawless consort of Vishnu, they recited the Devi Sukta and offered their devotion, seeking her favor. As they contemplated her, the goddess herself appeared—four-armed, wide-eyed, adorned with every ornament, clad in silk, wreathed in divine garlands, and anointed with celestial unguents. Seeing her, beloved of the Lord of gods, all the celestials joined their palms and spoke: “Be gracious, O Lady, and do what is pleasing. Grant fearlessness to the three worlds, just as the Lord would—so do.” Then Rudra spoke: Thus addressed, the goddess, having found her beloved Janardana, bowed down, offered her respects, and said to him, “Be gracious.” At the sight of his beloved queen, Hari, the Lord of all, instantly cast aside the anger that had arisen from the demon and became pleased. He took the goddess onto his lap, the ocean of compassion embracing her, and with eyes softened by streams of mercy, Hari gazed upon the gods. As those who praised him cried out “Victory! Victory!” joy and excitement surged in the hearts of all who received his merciful glance. The hosts of gods, their minds overflowing with delight, joined their palms, bowed to the Lord of the universe, and spoke: “O Lord of the universe, we are unable to behold your most wondrous radiance; this form, with its many arms and feet, is truly astonishing. Your brilliance, sharper than fire, pervades all three worlds; none among us can bear to look upon it or even stand before you.” Hearing their plea, Mahadeva said: The Lord of the gods withdrew that terrifying radiance and became pleasing to behold. He shone like ten million autumn moons, his eyes like lotuses, his mane like nectar, resplendent as ten million flashes of lightning, and altogether auspicious. Adorned with divine armlets and bracelets of every precious gem, his arms resembled the fruitful branches of the wish-fulfilling tree. The Supreme Lord stood with four soft, divine arms, his lotus-like hands as lovely as hibiscus flowers. With two arms raised, he bore the conch and discus; with the other two, he granted boons and fearlessness, the Man-Lion shining in his glory. His chest was adorned with the Srivatsa and Kaustubha jewels, a garland of forest flowers, and earrings as radiant as the rising sun and moon. Necklaces, armlets, and bracelets of exquisite design adorned him, and united with Lakshmi on his left side, he shone as the Man-Lion. Beholding Lakshmi-Narasimha, the gods were filled with immense joy, their hearts overwhelmed and their eyes wet with tears of bliss. Immersed in an ocean of happiness, they bowed again and again, worshipping the Lord of their souls with divine flowers. They anointed the Eternal One with jewel-filled pitchers brimming with nectar, offered delightful garments, ornaments, fragrances, flowers, and incense. Having worshipped the Man-Lion with divine lamps and offerings, they praised him with celestial hymns, bowing again and again in reverence and awe.