When the gods found themselves unable to withstand the might of the demonic Tripura, they resorted to cunning. After deceiving the demons and drinking the nectar, their enemy—the foe of the asuras—assumed the form of a cow. Despite having drunk the nectar, the demons could not be revived repeatedly, and Tryambaka slew all the Dānavas across the three worlds. In the fierce battle that saw Andhaka slain, not only the gods but also humans and all the ancestors joined in, vanquishing the demons, spirits, and Dānavas. Vṛtra, whose power was bolstered by alliances with the Dānavas, met his end in the dreadful Kolāhala. With Viṣṇu’s help, Mahendra struck him down. Later, Vipracitti and his followers, concealed by illusion and adept in yoga, were slain by Mahendra, who struck them with the thunderbolt in a fleeting moment. The Daityas and Dānavas, united in their cause, were destroyed. These events, ten great battles in total, are the accounts of the wars between the gods and the asuras. Amidst this cycle of destruction, King Hiranyakashipu shone brilliantly for a hundred million years, bringing both ruin and welfare to gods and asuras, and to all beings. For seventy-two hundred million years more, plus eighty thousand, he ruled as sovereign over the three worlds. After him, King Bali again held the throne for a hundred million years, and sixty thousand plus twenty million years. During Bali’s reign, as previously described, Prahlada enjoyed happiness alongside the asuras. These mighty asuras continually strove for victory. Meanwhile, Mahendra governed the three worlds undisturbed. Yet, all remained incomplete until another ten thousand years passed, after which the three worlds again came under the rule of Paka, Indra. At that time, the sacrifice, leaving the asuras, went to the gods. When the sacrifice reached the gods, the children of Diti spoke to Kavi, saying, “Our kingdom has been taken by Maghavan, and the sacrifice has gone to the gods. We cannot remain here; let us enter the netherworld.” Kavi comforted the dejected asuras, saying, “Do not fear, O asuras. I will sustain you with my own power. All the mantras, herbs, and whatever exists upon the earth reside in me; only a fraction remains with the gods. All that I have held for your sake, I will give to you.” Seeing the asuras protected by wise Kavi, the gods praised him. Yet the gods, anxious and eager to recover what was lost, consulted among themselves: “This Kavi is diverting all of this from us by force. Let us go swiftly, before he displaces us; let us conquer the remaining ones and send them to the netherworld.” Enraged, the gods approached the Danavas. As they were being slain, the Danavas rushed to Kavi for protection. Seeing them pursued, Kavi gathered the afflicted asuras and withdrew them from the gods’ reach. Seeing Kavi standing firm, the gods, now free from anxiety, withdrew. Kavi then reflected, considering the beneficial words of Brahma. Recalling what had happened before, Kāvya spoke to the asuras: “The entire three worlds have been taken from you by Vāmana in three strides. Bali has been bound, Jambha slain, and Virocana killed; twelve great asuras have been defeated by the gods in battle. Most leaders have been destroyed by various means; only a few of you remain. In my view, there is no longer any war. You must now rely on strategies and wait for the right time. I will go to Mahādeva to obtain mantras that bring victory. After receiving unfailing mantras from Maheśvara, we will fight the gods again; then you will surely attain victory.” The asuras agreed, and said to the gods, “We have all laid down our weapons, exhausted and without chariots. We will undertake austerities, clothed in bark garments.” Hearing their truthful words, the gods accepted them. Thus, all were free from distress and joyful; the daityas laid down their weapons, and the gods withdrew. Kāvya then instructed them, “Remain steadfast in your austerities, devoted and undistracted, until the time for accomplishing your purpose arrives. Wait for me, O Dānavas, at my father’s hermitage.” With this, Kāvya approached Mahādeva. Śukra spoke to Mahādeva: “O god, I desire those mantras that are with Bṛhaspati, for the defeat of the gods and the victory of the asuras.” The god replied, “O Bhārgava, undertake a vow for a thousand years, standing with your head downward, inhaling only smoke. If you endure this, you will obtain the mantras.” Śukra, son of Bhṛgu, consented, touching the god’s feet and saying, “So be it. I will perform the vow you have commanded, O Lord, starting today.” Thus instructed by the Lord of gods, the sage Bhārgava undertook the vow. When Śukra departed for the welfare of the asuras, Kāvya began his celibacy for the sake of obtaining mantras from Maheśvara. Knowing this, the kings lived happily, following proper conduct. Yet, at this vulnerable moment, the gods attacked the asuras out of anger, all armed and led by Bṛhaspati.