Long ago, the Self-born had created women as obstacles to austerity, knowing that as long as resolve, discipline, truthfulness, and family honor endured, such distractions would test the steadfastness of the wise. Reflecting deeply on this, I closed my eyes, contemplating in many ways the nature of these trials. Yet, even after hearing these truths, O king, the inquirer pressed the sage further. “By whose mere sight, O lord, have you yourself been seized by desire? Is she a goddess, a human woman, a Yakṣī, or perhaps a serpent-woman?” he asked with curiosity. The sage replied, “This is my situation, O wealthy one: she is a maiden, radiant and illustrious.” Determined, he continued, “Therefore, O lord of the Daityas, I shall go to the eternal world of Brahmā.” Having spoken thus, the sage journeyed to Brahmā’s world. Upon arriving there swiftly, he beheld that extraordinary woman. Meanwhile, on the command of the king of the buffaloes, a messenger was dispatched to Mount Arbuda. With wonder, he reported back to the buffalo king all that he had witnessed. “That maiden, born from divine radiance, is still today of surpassing beauty,” he declared. All the ascetics present were questioned about her, but her form, youth, and splendor were beyond the power of words to describe. Intent on winning her, the buffalo king sent a wise demon as his messenger. “Go quickly, O wise one, and for my sake, approach that ascetic woman,” he instructed. The messenger went without delay, bowed before her, and humbly spoke: “There is one named Mahiṣa, renowned and powerful, lord of the three worlds. He desires you, O auspicious one, to be his lawful wife, according to righteousness. If he is pleasing to you, and you are likewise dear to him—” Thus addressed, the goddess replied with clarity and resolve: “A messenger is always declared 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 dazzling beauty, and shaken by her words, the messenger departed. When Mahiṣa heard this, O king, he was tormented by the arrows of desire. Wishing to impress and overpower, he ordered, “Assemble an invincible army on Mount Arbuda.” He arranged a formidable fourfold force: elephants fully armored and bearing warriors, horses spotless and swift as the wind, chariots crafted to resemble flying palaces, and foot soldiers massive in form, mighty archers of immense strength. There were one hundred thousand elephants and three times as many chariots. With this great multitude, he encircled the area from afar. Even as he approached and saw the goddess absorbed in meditation, he was again pierced by desire. “Hearing of your beauty, O lovely-faced one, I have come,” he proclaimed. “I have sixty thousand wives, O pure-smiling one. Your austerity is unworthy, child; enjoy pleasures as you desire.” Despite his words, the goddess remained silent, offering him no reply.