Once more, through the power of his demonic illusion, Mahisha transformed himself into the formidable shape of a buffalo. At this moment, urged by the assembled gods and the great sages, the revered sage Gautama spoke out. He addressed the Goddess, acknowledging that within her resided the supreme vital force that sustains the entire universe. He questioned her, asking why she had chosen to engage in this battle today, a battle that could only lead to confusion and delusion. He noted that she withdrew the bodies of those who had been slain, and that otherwise, the destruction of this enemy—insignificant as a blade of grass—would have been a simple matter for her. Gautama explained that by restraining her own immense power and by drawing forth the strength of the enemy, the Goddess was acting as she had been instructed in ancient times. Thus, in accordance with this guidance, the Goddess manifested a new form of her own, one that resembled many towering mountains. A fierce struggle ensued. Mahisha, crushed and seized by her might, rolled about violently, crying out in pain. His body writhed as her trident pierced his limbs, sending torrents of blood gushing forth. With a sharp sword, the Goddess severed his head, bringing the battle to its climax. In the aftermath, Durgā was praised by the Siddhas, Gandharvas, and the great sages. The lord of the gods himself, with hands joined in reverence, bowed and extolled the Goddess. They hailed her, saying, “O Ambikā, you are devotion, faith, and power for all who worship you. You alone, though of universal form, are known by countless names and distinctions. Having subdued and destroyed the enemy, you, O auspicious one, are to be known and revealed.” Yet, even as her sword had severed Mahisha’s head, it appeared as if the head still lived. The gods prayed that her form, standing victorious after subduing evil, might always remain with them. They praised her weapons—her trident, bell, goad, shield, skull, thunderbolt, and others—declaring that she alone, filled with these, destroys all enemies. All those who opposed her, though armed with varied weapons, found their strength consumed in an instant when deprived of her favor. The gods proclaimed that one who attains lordship over the three worlds through her grace shines, adorned with fame. For such a one, there is no fear from any enemy. He is always worshipped by gods and attendants for the fulfillment of their desires, and along with his retinue, is to be honored everywhere, at all times. The devotees of the Goddess, out of their devotion, always worship him before her. Pleased by their prayers, the granting Goddess said, “So be it,” and departed towards heaven. She established guardianship of the place together with the Mothers, undertaking its protection. Soon, she beheld the distorted head of Mahisha, severed by her sword. Together with her companions, the maiden gazed upon his neck. Gauri quickly took the emblem that was situated on his throat, but immediately, the emblem reattached itself to her palm. The Goddess wondered in amazement, “What is this?” Then realization dawned upon her: Mahisha was a devotee of Shiva. Overcome with sorrow, she reflected that, without due consideration, she had begun the destruction of a devotee of Shiva. The maiden approached and confessed, “A rash act has been done by me. Through reverence and in the name of righteousness, I have committed some unrighteousness. Out of ignorance, I harmed the demon Mahisha, who was devoted to Shiva. Though he had easily gained the grace of the Guru, he was nevertheless afflicted by a hundred obstacles.” Thus, the Goddess’s heart was filled with both the gravity of her actions and the mystery of fate, even as the gods and sages continued to honor her victory and her enduring presence.