Seeing the asuras pursued relentlessly by the gods, Kavi—also known as Śukra—gathered the afflicted asuras together, seeking to protect them. With care, he withdrew them from the onslaught of the gods. Observing Kavi’s resolute stand, the gods, now relieved of their anxiety, chose to withdraw. Kavi, reflecting deeply, remembered the wise words once spoken by Brahma. Turning to the asuras, Kāvya reminded them of past events: “Remember, Vāmana has claimed the three worlds from you with three mighty strides. Bali has been bound, Jambha slain, and Virocana killed; twelve great asuras have fallen in battle against the gods. Most of your leaders have been destroyed by many means—only a few of you remain. In my judgment, there is no more war left for you to wage.” He counseled them, “Now is the time to rely on strategy and patience. I will go to Mahādeva and seek from him the mantras that grant victory. Once I have received these unfailing mantras from Maheśvara, we shall rise again and challenge the gods; then, surely, you will attain victory.” The asuras agreed to Kavi’s plan and sent a message to the gods: “We have laid down our weapons, exhausted and without chariots. We will undertake austerities, clothed in bark garments.” Hearing these honest words, the gods accepted their decision. Thus, both sides, now free from distress and filled with relief, turned away. As the daityas set aside their arms, the gods too withdrew. Kāvya then instructed the asuras: “Remain steadfast in your austerities, devoted and undistracted, until the time comes to fulfill your purpose. Wait for me, O Dānavas, at my father’s hermitage.” With these words, Kāvya departed and approached Mahādeva. Śukra addressed Mahādeva: “O Lord, I desire those mantras that are with Bṛhaspati, so that the asuras may defeat the gods and attain victory.” Mahādeva replied, “O Bhārgava, you must undertake a vow for a full thousand years—stand with your head downward, inhaling only smoke. If you endure this, you will obtain the mantras.” Śukra, the son of Bhṛgu, agreed, touched the god’s feet, and said, “So be it. I will perform the vow you have commanded, O Lord, starting today.” Thus instructed, Bhārgava Śukra began the arduous vow for the welfare of the asuras. With Śukra gone, the kings lived peacefully, following proper conduct. But at this vulnerable moment, the gods—angered and fully armed, led by Bṛhaspati—attacked the asuras. Seeing the gods advancing with weapons once again, the asuras rose in fear and cried out: “O gods, we have laid down our weapons, and our teacher is engaged in his vow. You promised us safety, yet now you come with the intent to kill us. We stand here defenseless, clad in bark and antelope skin, inactive and possessing nothing. We cannot defeat you in battle now. Instead, we will seek refuge with Kavi’s mother until our teacher returns; then, when Śukra is back, we will fight again, weapons in hand.” Having resolved thus, the asuras together sought refuge with Kavi’s mother. Frightened, they approached her, and she granted them protection, saying, “Do not fear, do not fear; abandon your terror, O Dānavas. Remain in my presence—let there be no great fear for you.” Seeing the asuras protected by her, the gods attacked with renewed force, weighing their own strength and weakness. As the asuras were being bound by the gods, the goddess, enraged, declared to the gods, “I will bewilder you with sleep.” Gathering all her powers, she released sleep upon them; empowered by her asceticism and yoga, she paralyzed the gods by force. Indra himself was struck down and paralyzed, causing confusion and fear among the gods, who fled at the sight of their leader subdued. When the gods had departed, Vishnu spoke to Indra: “Enter into me, O best of gods; I will protect you—may good befall you.” Thus addressed, Purandara (Indra) entered into Vishnu. Seeing Indra protected by Vishnu, the goddess grew even more furious and proclaimed, “I will burn you together with Vishnu by my power, O Maghavan, before the eyes of all beings—let my ascetic power be seen!” Overpowered by her, Indra and Vishnu found themselves subdued. Vishnu said to Indra, “How can I be freed together with you?” Indra replied, “Strike her down before she burns us, O Lord; I am especially overpowered—strike her, strike her without delay!” Vishnu hesitated, for it was difficult to kill a woman, but seeing Indra in mortal danger, the Lord swiftly entered into Shakra (Indra). Urged by urgency and fear, Vishnu realized the goddess’s cruel intent. Angry and desperate, he seized his discus and, out of fear, cut off her head. Witnessing this terrible act—the slaying of a woman—Bhṛgu, the great sage, was seized with fury. When Vishnu had killed his wife and was thus cursed by Bhṛgu, the sage declared, “Though you knew the law, you killed a woman who should not be slain. Therefore, by this curse, you shall be born among humans seven times; and whenever righteousness is lost, you will return again and again.