A great assembly of powerful Dānavas gathered—Yonibhaksha, Vrishaparva, Lingabhaksha, Vairuru, Nihprabha, Saprabha the illustrious, and Nirudara among them. With them came Ekachakra, Mahachakra, Dvichakra, Kulasambhava, Sharabha, Shalabha, Krapatha (twice), and Kratha. There were also Brihadvanti, Mahajihva, Shankukarṇa, Mahadhvani, Dirghajihva, Urkanayana, Mridakaya, and Mridapriya. Others present included Vayu, Garishta, Namuchi, Shambara, Vijvara, Vibhu, Vishvaksena, Chandraharta, and Krodhavardhana. The gathering swelled with Kalaka, Kalakanta, Kundada, the beloved of battle, Garishta, Varishta, Pralamba, Naraka, and Prithu. Indratapana, Vatapi, Ketuman proud in strength, Asiloma, Suloma, Bashkali, Pramada, and Mada were also there. Among them, too, were those with the faces of jackals, Keśī, Śarada, Ekākṣa, Rāhu, Vṛtra, and Krodhavimokṣaṇa. These mighty Dānavas surrounded Brahmā and addressed him, saying, “O Lord, you created us, yet you have not given us the three worlds. Instead, you have granted the best of boons to the gods, making them superior. O Grandfather, what shall we do here at your sacrifice? Tell us what is beneficial for us, for we are capable of any task. What use are these wretched gods, born of Aditi, who are always defeated and slain by us? You are the Grandfather of all—ours and the gods’. When your sacrifice is complete, let the gods return to us. Surely, there will be conflict over prosperity, but for now, we Dānavas will simply observe.” Pulastya continued: Hearing their proud words, the illustrious Janārdana, together with Śakra, spoke to Śaṃbhu, “The foremost Dānavas have come, summoned by Brahmā, along with Rudra, to create obstacles; they are striving to cause hindrance. But we must be patient until the sacrifice is finished. When the rite is complete, then let the gods engage in battle. O mighty one, you must act so that the earth is rid of Dānavas, and for the victory of Śakra, with you and me. 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 arrived and the people are afflicted, we will bring about the downfall of the Dānavas, having reduced them to servitude.” As Viṣṇu spoke thus, Brahmā said, “These sons of Danu are angry and wish to provoke your wrath. You must be patient, together with Rudra and the gods; when the rite is completed at the end of the age, then act. I have sent both you and these foremost Dānavas; whether peace or conflict, let all act accordingly at that time.” Then Brahmā himself addressed the Dānavas, “There must be no conflict with the gods at my sacrifice. You must always remain friendly and support my purpose.” The Dānavas replied, “We will do everything as you command, Grandfather. The gods are our descendants; they have nothing to fear from us.” Hearing this, their grandfather was pleased. As they stood there, a multitude of sages arrived, drawn by the news of their ancestral sacrifice. Keśava received their worship, and the god who bears the Pināka offered them seats. Vasiṣṭha, prompted by Brahmā, offered them libations. After giving them cow-offerings and inquiring about their well-being, he granted them a dwelling at Puṣkara and said, “Remain here.” The sages, wearing matted locks and deerskins, adorned the excellent lake, resembling celestials beautifying the Ganges. Some were shaven-headed and clad in ochre robes; others had long beards. There were those with sparse teeth, bulging eyes, large bodies, protruding or deformed ears, and some with torn ears. Some had elongated or misshapen foreheads, their tendons and skin exposed, and the bellies of these purified sages were visible. Upon seeing the sacred Puṣkara, radiant all around, many men renowned for their spiritual might gathered at its banks. Among them were the great-souled Vālakhilyas, some who crushed stones, others who chewed mortar, and some who practiced purification. Some subsisted on air, others on water, some on leaves; many practiced various disciplines, and some lay on bare ground. A wondrous thing happened: upon seeing a face reflected in the lake, the sages instantly became beautiful-faced. Amazed, they gazed at one another, wondering at the transformation. Because their faces became beautiful by seeing their reflection at this holy place, the ascetics named it “Face-viewing.” Having bathed and observed discipline, they became radiant, like sons of the gods, endowed with incomparable virtues. All the forest-dwellers stood there, dividing the holy place simply by their sacred thread, resplendent. They offered agnihotra sacrifices and performed various rites, reflecting deeply, purified of sin through their austerities.