As the tale unfolds, the goddess is addressed with a crucial instruction: "Except for a woman, O Goddess, therefore you must bring him down." It is made clear that only a woman can subdue the mighty Mahiṣāsura. The promise is given: "I will slay him when the appointed time arrives." Hearing these words, the goddess, delighted, remains on the mountain slope, awaiting her destined role. On that sacred mountain, pilgrims gather, and among them the goddess is seen, her presence inspiring devotion. It is here that Mahiṣāsura, the formidable asura, witnesses the arrival of a sage. With reverence, Mahiṣāsura bows to the sage and honors him with offerings of madhuparka and arghya, as prescribed by tradition. He addresses the sage with respect: "From where have you come, and for what purpose, O eminent sage? I am accompanied by servants; what use is this to you, O best of twice-born?" Mahiṣāsura welcomes whatever the sage has to say, declaring, "It is fitting for you. For we are always free from desire, established in the discipline of sages." The sage responds, explaining, "I have come here out of curiosity; it has been a long time since I saw you." He observes the fate of the demons, noting, "Whether by fate or by human effort, O lord, the demons have been seized, wherever it has been seen before, in the three worlds, among moving and unmoving beings." The sage describes the wondrous mountain known as Arbuda, situated on the earth's surface. This mountain is adorned with bakula, champaka, mango, ashoka, and karnikara trees, as well as sal, jackfruit, tinduka, and karavira trees. The air is filled with the fragrance of many special varieties of flowers. There is no tree, creeper, or herb that does not thrive in this land. Birds with sweet voices—chakora, peacock, and chataka—fill the mountain with their melodious songs, and even sages become absorbed upon hearing them. Delightful waterfalls and rivers with pure water flow through the mountain, and women with wide lotus-leaf eyes, slender waists, and pure smiles dwell there. Everything on this mountain surpasses the worlds; all these wonders are found on that supreme mountain. The mountain stretches ten yojanas wide, joined by two other peaks. Filled with curiosity, the sage explores every corner. He encounters a woman whose form defies comparison: she is neither goddess nor Gandharva woman, neither Asura nor human. She is not Rati, Prīti, Umā, Lakṣmī, Sāvitrī, nor Sarasvatī. Upon seeing such a woman, the sage is tormented by desire. Steadying himself, he reflects deeply. Simply witnessing her increases the desire in his heart. He recalls his long practice of austerity and celibacy, and decides to leave before any disturbance arises. He remembers that women have previously been created by the Self-born as obstacles to austerity. So long as there is resolve, austerity, truthfulness, and steadfastness in family honor, he must remain firm. Thinking thus in many ways, the sage closes his eyes to regain composure. Yet, even after hearing this account, the king questions the sage again: "By whose mere sight, O lord, have you yourself become possessed by desire? Is she a goddess, a human woman, a Yakṣī, or a serpent-woman, O sage?" The sage explains his situation: "She is a maiden, illustrious." He then declares, "Therefore, O lord of the Daityas, I shall go to the eternal world of Brahmā." Having spoken thus, the sage departs for Brahmā's world. Upon arriving swiftly, he beholds that excellent woman once more.