O Bhīṣma, listen with reverence to this tale. The wise sage, taking the form of Bhṛgu, addressed his friends—the Dānavas—and said, “Remove your garments; I will perform your initiation.” Thus, these Dānavas were initiated by the sage, their bodies now clothed only by the directions themselves, for Āṅgirasa bestowed upon them this austere attire. To mark their new path, he gave them peacock-feather banners and adorned them with beautiful garlands made of gunjā berries. After bestowing these symbols, the sage plucked the hair from their heads, a supreme act of righteousness. Indeed, even the god who is lord of wealth, the bestower of riches, attained the highest success by this act and by wearing such attire. Through plucking the hair and donning these simple marks, immortality is attained, as declared by the Arhata of ancient times. This practice brings divinity to humans in this world. Why would one not follow this path, since it grants great merit? When gods take human form, this is their cherished desire. In this land of Bhārata, among disciples by birth, austerity should be practiced, beginning with the plucking of hair. The twenty-four Tīrthaṅkaras were honored in this way, along with the serpent lord who cast a shadow, showing the path of meditation. By praising with mantras, one attains heaven, or certainly liberation; what doubt can there be in this? When shall we become sages, radiant as the sun and fire, reciting with detachment the fivefold formula? For those practicing austerity, when death arrives, even having the head struck with a stone becomes an act of virtue. When will we dwell in lonely forests, performing recitations in the ear with concentrated minds? Yet, O sage, do not proceed on the path of liberation, for you have already attained positions that bring repeated worldly results. These must indeed be renounced, as our words are true, through our own austerity and disciplines. Go to that supreme state, to the path of liberation, which the wise attain through devotion and penance. Where there is restraint of the senses and constant compassion toward all beings, that is true dharma of austerity; all else is mere pretense. Knowing this, strive to reach the highest state, as the makers of holy fords and yogis have attained. Thus, gods of old, Vidyadharas, and great serpents constantly contemplated their cherished desires day and night. If your desire for worldly existence has ceased, abandon your spouses and the obstacles to the path of heaven. How can you serve the womb in which your father was born? How can creatures eat flesh that is like their own? Then, all those mighty Dānavas addressed their teacher: “Initiate us, O blessed one, who stand here as embryos.” The priest, following the rule, instructed them, “Never offer obeisance to any other gods at any time.” When eating, take food in one place, with cupped hands, and ensure the water is free from hair and insects. Treat what is dear and not dear equally, never acting out of partiality; take food in this manner, O lord, and practice accordingly. Remain together, all of you, and thus you will partake of liberation. Having spoken thus and establishing these rules, he instructed those foremost among men. Then Dhiṣaṇa, O king, went to the world of the gods and reported all that had been done by the Dānavas. The Asuras then went to the vicinity of the Narmadā, dwelling there—all except Prahlāda. The king of the gods, delighted, spoke to Namuci: “Hiraṇyākṣa, destroyer of sacrifice, slayer of dharma, reviler of the Vedas; the Rākṣasa of cruel deeds, devourer and glutton, Muci, Bāṇa, Virocana, Mahiṣākṣa, Bāṣkala, Pracaṇḍa, Caṇḍaka, Rocamāna the fierce, and Suṣeṇa, foremost of the Dānavas.” Seeing these and other Daitya lords, Indra addressed them: “O lords of the Daityas, you were born long ago and ruled the realm of the gods. How is it that you now begin this vow, which destroys the Vedas—naked, shaven-headed, and carrying water pots? How is it that you stand here bearing peacock-feather banners?” The Daityas replied, “We have abandoned all demonic nature and abide in the dharma of sages. We perform deeds that increase righteousness among all beings. Enjoy the sovereignty of the three worlds, O Śakra, and depart.” Maghavan, saying “So be it,” returned to the realm of the gods. Thus, O Bhīṣma, all were deluded by the priest of the gods. The Daityas, having reached the river Narmadā, stood there. Informed of all that had happened by Śukra, they became aware. Then, intent on seizing the three worlds, they again formed a cruel resolve. Bhīṣma then asked: “How was Arjuna, the slayer of enemy heroes, born from Tripura? And why is Karṇa, though called a sūta’s son, said to be born out of wedlock? How did the boon come to those two by nature? Tell me, for I am eager to hear; you are worthy to speak.” Pulastya replied: Once, when his mouth was cut, Brahmā was seized by great anger. Sweat arose on his forehead, which he took and struck upon the earth.