On that sacred mountain, women of extraordinary beauty dwell—wide lotus-leaf eyes, slender waists, and pure, radiant smiles gracing their faces. Truly, everything found upon this mountain surpasses the wonders of all other worlds; such marvels are visible only on this supreme peak. The mountain itself stretches ten yojanas wide and is flanked by two mighty ranges. Filled with curiosity, I wandered here and there, gazing at all that surrounded me. Amidst these wonders, I encountered a woman whose form defied all comparison. She was not 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. Upon seeing her, desire seized me, tormenting my heart. Yet, I steadied my resolve and reflected within myself. Merely beholding her increased the longing in my heart. But I remembered the austerities and celibacy I had practiced for so long, and decided to leave before my discipline was disturbed. I recalled that women had been created by the Self-born as obstacles to ascetic practice. As long as there is resolve, austerity, truthfulness, and steadfastness in family honor, one must remain firm. Thinking thus in many ways, I closed my eyes to regain composure. Even after hearing this, O King, another questioned the sage further: “By whose mere sight, O lord, have you become possessed by desire? Is she a goddess, a human, a Yakṣī, or a serpent-woman?” The sage replied, “This is my situation, O wealthy one: she is a maiden, illustrious and radiant. Therefore, O lord of the Daityas, I shall go to the eternal world of Brahmā.” Having spoken thus, the sage departed for Brahmā’s world. Arriving swiftly, he beheld that excellent woman once more. Meanwhile, by order of the king of the buffaloes, a messenger was dispatched to Mount Arbuda to report this marvel. The messenger returned to the buffalo king, amazed, and described the maiden: born from divine radiance, she remains of surpassing beauty even today. All the ascetics present were questioned about her, but her form, youth, and splendor could not be described in words. The buffalo king then sent a wise demon as a messenger, instructing him: “Go quickly, O wise one, and approach that ascetic woman for my sake.” The wise messenger hurried to her, bowed respectfully, and spoke humbly: “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. If he is pleasing to you, and you are dear to him—” Thus addressed, the goddess replied: “A messenger is always inviolable everywhere. Go and tell that wicked, lowly demon Mahiṣa: All this effort has been made by me for your destruction.” Overwhelmed by fear, astonished by her beauty, and struck by her words, the messenger departed. Hearing this, O King, Mahiṣa was tormented by the arrows of desire. In his frenzy, he commanded, “Assemble an invincible army on Mount Arbuda.” He arranged a fourfold army, well-equipped and ready for battle. Elephants, fully armored and mounted by warriors, were seen preparing for war, their presence marking the beginning of a great confrontation.