For the welfare of the world, it was decreed that the goddess would be born among humans. Having spoken thus to Vishnu, Bhrigu himself took up her head. He gathered her body together, holding it in his hand, and addressed her: “O goddess, though you were slain by Vishnu, I shall restore you to life.” With utmost sincerity, he invoked the power of truth: “If I truly know the whole of righteousness, or have practiced it, then by that truth, live again—if what I say is true.” With these words, Bhrigu sprinkled her with cold water and commanded, “Live!” In that very moment, the goddess was revived, as if awakened from a deep sleep. All beings who witnessed this marvelous event cried out in wonder and joy, praising what they saw. Thus, Bhrigu restored the goddess to life before the eyes of the gods, and it appeared as a most wondrous miracle. Unshaken, Bhrigu had brought his wife back to life once more. Witnessing this, Indra, king of the gods, was filled with anxiety, fearing the power of Kavi, Bhrigu’s son. Troubled and unable to find peace, Indra remained vigilant and spoke to his daughter Jayanti, addressing her with concern. He said, “My wise daughter, this Kavi is performing a terrible vow with the intent to bring about my downfall. Because of this, I am greatly troubled. Serve him tirelessly with all manner of pleasing attentions, so that the Brahmin may be satisfied. Go, you are now given to him; make every effort for my sake.” Accepting her father’s request, Jayanti set out to fulfill his wish. She found Kavi engaged in fierce austerity, sustaining himself only on smoke, his face turned downward in deep meditation. Purified by a stream poured by a Yaksha, he remained steadfast in his practice, though weakened by the destruction of his enemies. Remembering her father’s instructions, Jayanti began to serve Kavi. With gentle words and sweet speech, she soothed him with massages at the proper times, attending to him faithfully for many years. When Kavi’s dreadful thousand-year vow of subsisting on smoke was finally completed, Shiva was pleased and appeared before him, offering a boon. Shiva declared, “This vow has been performed by you alone, not by anyone else. By your austerity, intelligence, learning, strength, and brilliance, you alone will surpass all the gods. Whatever exists in me, O Brahman, son of Bhrigu, I grant all of it to you; but you must not reveal it to anyone. What need is there for many words? You will become invincible.” Having thus granted lordship over creatures, lordship over wealth, and invincibility, Shiva filled Kāvya with joy. After Shiva, the blue-red Lord, had granted these boons to Bhargava and vanished, Kavi turned to Jayanti and spoke: “Who are you, O fortunate one? Why do you appear sorrowful when I am sorrowful? With great austerity, for what purpose do you seek to conquer me, standing here with devotion, humility, and self-restraint? With affection and beauty, you have pleased me—what is it you desire?” He promised, “Whatever you wish, even if it is very difficult, I will fulfill it for you today.” Jayanti replied, “Through austerity, you ought to know my purpose. Indeed, I wish to accomplish something, O Brahman. You must tell me truly.” With divine sight, Kavi discerned her wish: “O beautiful one, you desire to unite with me here for a hundred years, unseen by all beings. O goddess, dark as a blue lotus, worthy of boons, with lovely eyes, you have chosen your desire—I grant it to you, sweet-spoken one.” “So be it,” he said. “Let us go to my house, O intoxicated one.” Thus, Kavi, together with Jayanti and Ushanas, returned home. For a hundred years, Bhargava dwelt with the goddess Jayanti, invisible to all beings, sustained by his vow and magical power. When the sons of Diti learned that Shukra had accomplished his purpose and returned, they joyfully came to his house, eager to see him. But, upon arrival, they could not see their teacher, for he was concealed by his magic. Not recognizing any signs of his presence, they concluded, “Our teacher has not come today,” and returned to their own seats. Meanwhile, all the hosts of gods approached Angiras and requested, “O Lord, go to the abode of the Dānavas and there, quickly bewilder their army, making them subject to your will—do this at once.” Dhiṣaṇa replied, “In this very way, I shall go.” He went to the Dānavas and brought Prahlāda, their lord, under control. Assuming the form of Śukra, Dhiṣaṇa remained among the Dānavas, performing the duties of priest for over a hundred years while Ushanas was away. When Ushanas finally returned, the sons of Danu saw both Bṛhaspati and the real Ushanas in their assembly. Great curiosity arose, and a tense conflict was imminent. They wondered, “What will people say about this one who stands at the door? This guru who sits in the assembly—what will he say to us?” As the Dānavas discussed among themselves, the great sage arrived, setting the stage for what was to come.