As the words were spoken, she listened intently, and gradually, memories of the gods awakened within her heart. Resolute, she declared, “After long austerity, I shall become the wife of the powerful one.” Viraca, upon hearing her own feminine nature expressed in these words, became aware of Mahishasura’s approach—his intent clear, to seize her for himself. But before him stood the great Maya, her brilliance blazing, confronting Mahishasura with unwavering strength. In his fury, Mahishasura struck the peaks of the noble mountains again and again with his horns, shaking the earth. Sensing the gravity of the moment, the gods, led by Brahma, bowed in reverence and offered her various weapons. Hari gave five weapons, Sadashiva ten, and the guardians of the directions, along with other gods, mountains, and oceans, each contributed their own gifts. Thus, Maya, with many hands, grasped collections of blazing weapons, her radiance filling the expanse of all directions, impossible to withstand. Her own fierce energy blazed so intensely that none could endure it. It became clear: by some means, this wicked Mahishasura must be slain. To achieve this, she considered drawing him in with the words of a messenger—gentle yet striking at the vital points. For those engaged in unrighteous conduct, hearing words of dharma can turn their minds toward righteousness, bringing peace. For those practicing austerity, renouncing anger always bears fruit. Reflecting thus, Gauri addressed the sage, the guru of the gods, by name: “Go, O great sage with the face of a monkey, endowed with Maya. Do not, O misguided one, oppress the lord of the Aruna mountain. Here, there is neither the distress of the Kali age nor oppression even by the Asuras. By the merit of good deeds from previous births, you have attained great strength and prosperity. Riches were given to you by Shiva, due to the power of your past austerities. This is always the dwelling place of those devoted to righteousness and worshippers of Shiva. You have gained incomparable sovereignty and another power difficult to overcome. The maiden has again been seen by me, and she is considered especially powerless. Or else, by various arguments or by scriptures approved by Shiva, you—proud of your strength—trouble all the worlds. Bring forth your entire army, fully armed, and place it at the front. When your life, along with your army, is cut down by my weapon, you will see. Even when restrained by former deeds, a person is driven on by karma. You too must indeed speak many words of compassion.” Thus instructed by Gauri, the sage with the face of a monkey spoke. Yet, having listened to everything, he was agitated by a surge of anger. Summoning his entire army, the wicked-minded one gathered his forces, which resembled the four oceans swelling at the time of the end of an age. Gauri, seeing the wondrous army of the Daityas, beheld their strange forms—some had one foot, one eye, one leg, with hanging ears and breasts. Unfazed, she declared, “I consume all this, which is insufficient for me. But what more is there for you to do here? You should simply stand by and watch.