Release the weary guest, afflicted by hunger and thirst. With this compassionate instruction, the gentle daughter of the mountain directed the mighty warriors stationed at the boundary of the sacred mountain. While she, slender in form and steadfast in resolve, performed her austerities, no suffering ever touched her. Even those beings who had once been hostile set aside their enmity and became peaceful. Within two yojanas of her place of penance, those stationed at the mountain’s edge felt no fear; not a single sign of terror was seen among them. All the accomplished sages, recognizing her purity, praised the mountain’s daughter for her unwavering discipline. Day and night, Gauri continued her severe austerities. Meanwhile, Mahisha, the powerful buffalo demon, set out to hunt, accompanied by an army of fierce demons. Together, they pursued herds of wild animals; some were chased by warriors skilled with bows, and the sons of Diti followed, intent on slaying the creatures. As the demon youths questioned, “What is this place?” they were told, “No one, however strong, may enter here—this is a hermitage frequented by sages.” Hearing these words, the powerful and wicked Dānavas used their magic to assume the forms of birds and, with feigned respect, entered the hermitage. Gauri, adorned with flowers from every season, wandered again through the forest. Her beauty and charm shone forth, strengthened by her austerity. Afflicted by desire, Mahisha disguised himself as an old man and entered the hermitage at that very moment. The old man asked her, “For what purpose is your austerity?” They inquired further, speaking of one who is supremely strong and handsome, yet never shows favor. With unprecedented authority, he produced a new and great offering: a vessel filled with fresh grains and cooked rice. With unseen wealth and assistance, the work would be accomplished. Hearing their words, the buffalo demon laughed and said, “Listen, girl, ascetic, to all my wealth! I am the buffalo, a great hero, lord of the Daityas, honored even by the gods. Unmatched heroism exists only in me, through the strength of my arms. Take me as your husband, the true fruit of austerity for all living beings. Through my penance, I create the universal craftsman from the very beginning. The nine treasures are always at my command, and those who serve me are ever at my side.” Upon hearing his boastful words, she gradually remembered the gods. She declared, “After long austerity, I shall become the wife of the powerful one.” Viraca, hearing the feminine resolve in her words, saw Mahishasura approaching, intent on seizing her. But before him stood the great Maya, blazing in her glory. Mahishasura, filled with rage, struck the peaks of the noble mountains with his horns. At that moment, the gods, led by Brahma, bowed in reverence and offered her various weapons. Hari gave five weapons, and Sadashiva ten more. The guardians of the directions, along with other gods, the mountains, and the oceans, all contributed their might. That Maya, now revealed with many hands, stood holding blazing collections of weapons, radiant and formidable, ready to face the demon who dared to challenge her.