By the power of the mighty demon, the entirety of creation—the three worlds, with all that moves and does not move—became pervaded by his presence. Accompanied by all the gods, he ascended to the realm of Brahmā himself. Such was the terror he inspired that all gods and humans alike were gripped by fear. The Vasus, Maruts, Sādhyas, Viśvadevas, and the divine sages—all of them were afflicted. The demons, emboldened, began to consume the shares of the sacrifices that rightfully belonged to the gods. Even now, the fame of that great loss, when the gods were deprived of their offerings, is known throughout the three worlds. Because of this intense fear, the gods became invisible, hiding themselves away. Some of them sustained themselves on a single meal, some fasted, and others lived on nothing but air. There were those who undertook severe austerities, enduring great hardships, while others devoted themselves to recitation and offerings, or became absorbed in deep meditation. All of them, O King, worshipped the supreme power—the Goddess—seeking her aid so they might be freed from the bondage of their actions. A full thousand years passed in this way. Then, O best of kings, a terrifying form made of smoke was born—an awe-inspiring sight. The gods, beholding her, joined their hands in reverence and praised her, saying: "Salutations to you, O all-pervading Goddess, worshipped by all. Salutations to you, supreme Goddess, source of Brahmā himself. Salutations again and again to you, lotus-eyed Mother of the universe. Abiding in your own true form, you are also the very mark of worldly existence. You are growth, you are the path, the doer; you are Śacī, Lakṣmī, and Pārvatī. Indeed, whatever exists here in the three worlds as 'existence' is you, O Goddess of the gods, just as wood is pervaded by fire and cloth is woven from thread." "O best of gods," she replied, "ask quickly for whatever boon you desire. Why do you remain here in secrecy, dwelling in this cave?" The gods answered, "O Mother, by him—the demon—this entire threefold world, with all that moves and does not move, is pervaded. Our share of the sacrifice has been taken and given to the demons. By slaying these demons, let Śakra (Indra) regain his rightful place once more." The Goddess responded, "For me, there is no particular distinction between the two parties, O best of gods. Nevertheless, I shall restrain the demons and restore Śakra and the others to heaven." She then instructed her messenger, "Go swiftly to the demon Kaliṅga and tell him: 'Leave heaven at once. The revered Mother of the worlds, worshipped by the gods, is supreme. Return quickly to your own place and let Indra return to heaven.'" But Kaliṅga, filled with pride, replied through his messenger, "Thinking myself the lord of the worlds, I have spoken these words. I do not know her, nor do I know you. Go and tell them this by my command: I will not grant you entry to heaven under any circumstance. Yet, messenger, for this reason I will not take your life. If you show me my revered mother, then I will go with you to the place where she is staying." The messenger Arbuda, filled with great anger, departed swiftly. As Bāṣkali approached, the gods led by Indra were struck with terror and scattered in all directions. Kaliṅga then declared, "Where my revered mother resides is at the mountain called Arbuda. Become my wife, O beautiful-hipped one, for I am always under your control. All my kingdom will indeed be under your sway." Thus unfolded the tale of the gods, the demon, and the supreme Goddess, as the balance of the worlds hung in her hands.