O lord, whether by fate or through human effort, the demons had been subdued. Across the three worlds—among all beings, both moving and unmoving—such events had been witnessed before. Upon the surface of the earth lies a mountain known as Arbuda, a place of remarkable beauty. Its slopes are adorned with bakula, champaka, mango, ashoka, and karnikara trees, along with sal, jackfruit, tinduka, and karavira. Many varieties of fragrant flowers bloom there, their scent filling the air. Yet, in this extraordinary land, there is not a single tree, creeper, or herb that does not flourish. Birds with sweet voices—chakoras, peacocks, and chatakas—can be heard, their songs so enchanting that even sages become absorbed in their melodies. Delightful waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides, and rivers of pure water flow, enhancing the mountain’s charm. Women of exquisite beauty dwell there, their wide lotus-leaf eyes, slender waists, and pure smiles captivating all who see them. Truly, there is no need to speak at length, for everything found on that mountain surpasses the wonders of the worlds; all these marvels are seen upon Arbuda, the supreme mountain. It stretches ten yojanas wide and is joined by two other mountains. Filled with curiosity, I wandered here and there, observing all that lay before me. Then, I beheld a woman unlike any other. She was neither a goddess, nor a Gandharva, nor an Asura, nor a human. She was not Rati, nor Prīti, nor Umā, nor Lakṣmī, nor Sāvitrī, nor Sarasvatī. Having seen such a woman, so unique in form, I was tormented by desire. Steadying my resolve, I reflected deeply within myself. Merely seeing her caused desire to surge in my heart. For a long time, I had practiced austerity and celibacy; therefore, I resolved to leave before any disturbance could arise. Women, I remembered, had been created by the Self-born as obstacles to austerity. So long as there is resolve, austerity, truthfulness, and steadfastness in family honor, one must remain vigilant. Thinking thus in many ways, I closed my eyes, determined to maintain my discipline. Even after hearing this, O king, he questioned 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 replied, “This is my situation, O wealthy one: she is a maiden, illustrious.” Then he declared, “O lord of the Daityas, I shall go to the eternal world of Brahmā.” Having spoken thus, the sage departed for Brahmā’s world. Upon arriving swiftly, he saw that excellent woman once more. Meanwhile, on the order of the king of the buffaloes, a messenger was sent to Mount Arbuda. With amazement, he reported back to the buffalo king. That maiden, born from divine radiance, remains to this day of surpassing beauty. All the ascetics present there were questioned about her, but her form, youth, and splendor could not be described. The king then sent a wise demon as his messenger. “O wise one,” he instructed, “go quickly and, for my sake, approach that ascetic woman.” The wise demon hastened to her, bowed down, and, with humility, spoke these words: “There is one named Mahiṣa, renowned and powerful, lord of the three worlds. He desires you, O auspicious one, as his lawful wife, according to righteousness.