At that great and sacred gathering, learned experts in Mīmāṃsā and subtle reasoning engaged in lively discussions, each offering their views with conviction. Wherever one looked, O King, there were ascetics of firm vows, steadfast in their presence and purpose. The foremost among the twice-born—Brahmins of highest merit—were seen performing sacred recitations and pouring oblations into the fire. In the midst of this sanctified assembly stood Brahmā himself, the Grandfather of all worlds, presiding over the sacrifice. There, the illustrious preceptor of both gods and demons, revered by all, was worshipped with due honor. The lords of all creatures approached him, acknowledging him as their master. Among those present were the venerable sages: Dakṣa, Vasiṣṭha, Pulaha, Marīci, Aṅgirā, Bhṛgu, Atri, Gautama, and the divine Nārada—all shining as the best of the twice-born. Not only personages, but the very essences of existence were present: Knowledge, the mid-space, wind, light, water, and earth; the faculties of sound, touch, form, taste, and smell. Transformation, modification, and the great primal cause itself were there, along with the four Vedas—Ṛg, Yajur, Sāma, and Atharva—resplendent in their completeness. The gathering was adorned with the sciences: sound, phonetics, etymology, ritual, and meter; Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, Mīmāṃsā, mathematics, the lore of elephants and horses, and the ancient histories. With these limbs and subsidiary disciplines, the Vedas shone with full brilliance. All these—sages, sciences, and deities—worshipped the great-souled Grandfather, Brahmā, who embodies the Self. Austerity, sacrifice, resolve, and even the vital breath itself paid him homage. Wealth, righteousness, desire, aversion, and joy—all these, and more, stood before Brahmā at all times. Also assembled were Shukra, Brihaspati, Samvarta, Budha, Shani, Rahu, and all the planets. The Maruts, Vishvakarma, the ancestors, the Sun and Soma—all worshipped Brahmā in reverence. Goddesses too were present: Gayatri, Durgataraṇi, Vani in her seven forms, all the syllables of speech, and the constellations. All commentaries on scripture, beings with bodies, and even time itself—moments, instants, hours, day and night—were gathered there. The half-months, the months, and all sacrifices, together with the gods, worshipped Brahmā, the great soul. Other eminent goddesses—Modesty, Fame, Splendor, Radiance, Steadfastness, Forbearance, Prosperity, Conduct, Knowledge, and Intellect—were present as well. Revelation, tradition, patience, peace, nourishment, and action all stood there, as did the celestial Apsaras, skilled in dance and song. The mothers of the gods attended upon Brahmā: Vipracitti, Shivi, Shanku, Raya, and Shanku. Mighty beings such as Vegavan, Ketuman, Ugra, Sogra, Vyagra the great Asura, Parigha, Pushkara, Samba, and the lord of horses were there. Prahlada, Bali, Kumbha, Samhrada, Gaganapriya, Anuhrada, Harihara, Varaha, Kusha, and Raja joined the assembly. Others included Yonibhaksha, Vrishaparva, Lingabhaksha, Vairuru, Nihprabha, Saprabha the illustrious, and Nirudara; Ekachakra, Mahachakra, Dvichakra, Kulasambhava, Sharabha, Shalabha, Krapatha, and Kratha. There were Brihadvanti, Mahajihva, Shankukarṇa, Mahadhvani, Dirghajihva, Urkanayana, Mridakaya, and Mridapriya; Vayu, Garishta, Namuchi, Shambara, Vijvara, Vibhu, Vishvaksena, Chandraharta, and Krodhavardhana. Also present were Kalaka, Kalakanta, Kundada beloved of battle, Garishta, Varishta, Pralamba, Naraka, and Prithu; Indratapana, Vatapi, Ketuman proud in strength, Asiloma, Suloma, Bashkali, Pramada, and Mada. Among them were Sṛgāla-faced, Keśī, Śarada, Ekākṣa, Rāhu, Vṛtra, and Krodhavimokṣaṇa. These and many other powerful Dānavas gathered around Brahmā, and spoke with determined voices: “O Lord, you created us, yet you have not granted us the three worlds. Instead, you have given the best of boons to the gods, making them superior. O Grandfather, what is our role here at your sacrifice? Tell us what is beneficial for us, for we are capable of any task. What use are these pitiable gods, born from Aditi’s womb, whom we always defeat and slay? You are the Grandfather of all—ours and the gods’. When your sacrifice is complete, let the gods be returned to us. There will surely be conflict over prosperity; for now, together with all the Dānavas, we will simply observe.” Pulastya continued: Hearing their proud words, the illustrious Janārdana, together with Śakra, spoke to Śaṃbhu, saying, “The foremost Dānavas have come here, summoned by Brahmā and accompanied by Rudra, seeking to create obstacles and hinder the sacrifice. We must be patient until the sacrifice is completed; once the rite is finished, the gods should prepare for battle. O mighty one, you must act so that the earth is freed from the Dānavas, ensuring Śakra’s victory with your help and mine. The Maruts have been appointed as attendants for the twice-born; taking the wealth of the Dānavas, we will offer it in sacrifice. When the Brāhmaṇas have assembled and the people are afflicted, we will bring about the downfall of the Dānavas, reducing them to servitude.” As Viṣṇu spoke thus, Brahmā addressed the assembly: “These sons of Danu are angry and seek to provoke your wrath.