After the Dānavas had approached Kāvya for guidance, the sage spoke to them with solemn authority: “Remain steadfast in your austerities, devoted and undistracted, until the time comes to fulfill your purpose.” He instructed them to wait for him at his father’s hermitage, and with these words, Kāvya departed to seek the favor of Mahādeva. Śukra, son of Bhṛgu, approached the great god and expressed his desire: “O Lord, I seek those mantras which Bṛhaspati possesses, so that the asuras may triumph and the gods be defeated.” Mahādeva replied, “O Bhārgava, undertake a vow for a thousand years, standing with your head downward and inhaling only smoke. If you endure this, you shall obtain the mantras.” Śukra, accepting this arduous command, touched the feet of the god and declared, “So be it. I will perform the vow you have commanded, O Lord, beginning today.” Thus instructed by the Lord of gods, Śukra set out to fulfill the vow, his purpose being the welfare of the asuras. Kāvya began his strict celibacy, seeking the mantras from Maheśvara, and during this time, the kings lived happily, observing proper conduct. Yet, at this vulnerable moment, the gods, led by Bṛhaspati and armed for battle, attacked out of anger. Seeing the gods advancing with weapons, the asuras rose in fear and addressed their attackers: “O gods, we have laid down our weapons while our teacher is engaged in his vow. You promised us safety, yet now you come intent on killing us. We are unable to withstand this, standing here unarmed, clad in bark and antelope skin, inactive and possessing nothing. We cannot defeat you in battle. Without fighting, we will seek refuge with Kavi’s mother.” Resolving to inform her of their distress until their teacher returned, the asuras went together to Kavi’s mother, seeking her protection. She welcomed them and said, “Do not fear, O Dānavas. Remain in my presence—let there be no great terror for you.” But seeing the asuras protected by her, the gods attacked forcefully, weighing their own strengths and weaknesses. When the goddess saw the asuras being bound by the gods, she became enraged and declared, “I will bewilder you with sleep.” Gathering her powers, she released sleep, empowered by asceticism and yoga, and paralyzed the gods by force. Indra, thus subdued by the goddess, was left helpless, and the gods, confused and frightened at their leader’s plight, fled. When the host of gods had departed, Vishnu spoke to Indra: “Enter into me, O best of gods, and I will protect you.” Indra, thus addressed, entered into Vishnu. Seeing Indra protected by Vishnu, the goddess grew furious. She proclaimed, “I will burn you together with Vishnu by force, O Maghavan, before the eyes of all beings; let my ascetic power be manifest.” Overpowered by her, Indra and Vishnu were subdued. Vishnu asked Indra, “How can I free both of us from her power?” Indra replied, “Strike her down before she burns us, O Lord; I am especially overpowered—strike her without delay.” Vishnu observed the goddess, but found it difficult to kill a woman. Yet, reflecting on the urgency, he swiftly entered into Shakra, who was in danger. Acting quickly and in fear, Vishnu realized the cruel intent of the goddess. Angrily, he seized his discus and, out of fear, cut off her head. Witnessing this terrible act of killing a woman, Bhrigu, the lord, became enraged. When Vishnu had slain his wife and was cursed by Bhrigu, the sage spoke: “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. For the welfare of the world, you will be born among humans here.” Having spoken thus, Bhrigu took up her head himself. He brought the body together, took it in his hand, and said, “O goddess, though you were slain by Vishnu, I shall restore you to life. If I truly know the whole of righteousness, or have practiced it, then by that truth, live again—if what I say is true.” Sprinkling her with cold water, he commanded, “Live!” And at that moment, the goddess was revived. All beings saw her as if awakened from sleep and exclaimed from all sides, “Well done! Well done!” Thus, the goddess was restored by Bhrigu, and in the sight of the gods, it appeared wondrous. Without agitation, Bhrigu revived his wife once more. Yet Indra found no peace, fearing Kavi’s return. Remaining awake, Indra spoke to Jayanti, his own daughter: “This Kavi is performing a terrible vow to cast me down; because of this, my wise daughter, I am greatly troubled. With all manner of pleasing attentions, serve him tirelessly, so that the Brahmin may be satisfied.