O noble king, when a full thousand years had passed, a remarkable event unfolded. Previously, a terrifying form, composed of dense smoke, had arisen—her presence so awe-inspiring that even the gods, with hands joined in reverence, offered her their praises. They addressed her, saying, “Salutations to you, O all-pervading goddess, honored by all beings. Salutations to you, supreme goddess, source of Brahma 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, the path, and the doer of all actions; you are Śacī, Lakṣmī, and Pārvatī. Whatever exists in the three worlds as ‘existence’ is but your manifestation, O goddess of the gods, just as wood is pervaded by fire and cloth is woven with thread.” The gods then implored her, “O best of gods, please ask for your desired boon without delay. Why do you remain here in secrecy, dwelling in the midst of this cave?” They continued, “By him—by the demon—the entire threefold world, with all that moves and does not move, is pervaded. Our share of the sacrifice has been taken; it has been seized by the demons. By slaying these demons, let Śakra (Indra) regain his rightful place in heaven.” The goddess responded, “There is no particular distinction for me between the two parties, O best of gods. Nevertheless, I shall restrain the demons and restore Śakra and the other deities to their heavenly abodes.” She then sent a messenger with urgency: “Go swiftly to the demon Kaliṅga and tell him, ‘Leave heaven at once. The revered mother, mother of the worlds, worshipped by the gods, is supreme. Return quickly to your own place; let Indra reclaim heaven.’” But Kaliṅga, filled with pride, replied, “Thinking myself the lord of the worlds, I have spoken thus. 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, for this reason, messenger, I will spare your life. However, if you show me my revered mother, then I will go there together with you, to the place where she resides.” Obeying, the messenger Arbuda departed swiftly, filled with great anger. As Bāṣkali approached, the gods, led by Indra, were overcome with great fear and scattered in all directions. Bāṣkali declared, “Where my revered mother resides is at the mountain called Arbuda. O beautiful-hipped one, become my wife; I am always under your control. All my kingdom will indeed be under your sway. What use is Indra, who has little strength, or others, O lovely-faced one?” All this he spoke to her, O king, just as you have heard. Upon hearing these words, the radiant goddess smiled and began to ponder, “How should I restrain him for the sake of the gods?” Just then, he arrived quickly, overwhelmed by desire. With a mere glance, the goddess beheld the lord of the Dānavas. She laughed softly, O best of men. Around them were elephants, noble horses, and various kinds of infantry. By her power, the entire army of the lord of the Daityas was struck down with weapons. When that mighty army was destroyed, Indra and the other gods said, “Without him alive, O goddess, there will be no kingdom for us in heaven.” Then, the goddess herself bestowed the great peak of the mountain and sat upon it, bringing peace and restoration to the divine order.