Hearing the words spoken by the assembled gods, you did not feel slighted at that time. Yet, overcome by sorrow, the gods went to the Lord of creatures, seeking solace and guidance. When Dakṣa heard their harsh words, he remained silent, offering no reply. O goddess, I witnessed you lying lifeless on the ground, having met your end, and in that moment, fierce Gaṇas by the hundreds and thousands surged forth, unleashing showers of arrows and roaring with terrifying might. In response, all the hosts of gods, including the Vasus and the Sun gods, gathered together. Both sides rushed out to battle, releasing sharp arrows that fell like torrents of rain from the clouds. Among the Gaṇas was Vīrabhadra, a being of immense strength. When he struck his opponent, the blow was so powerful that the victim lost consciousness and sat down, overwhelmed. The lord of elephants, suddenly struck down by Vīrabhadra, let out a terrifying roar. The gods, unable to withstand his assault, were defeated and turned away from the battle. At this, Viṣṇu, filled with anger, looked toward the celestial abodes. In his wrath, Viṣṇu sent forth his Sudarśana discus with tremendous speed. But when this unfailing discus, the slayer of demons, was seized, Viṣṇu himself was grasped by the feet and hurled forcefully to the ground at a great distance. Blood mixed with phlegm issued from his mouth, and though struck with the mace, he did not die. Then, all the Pramathas found themselves overpowered by the strength and might of Viṣṇu. Yet, when they saw me holding the trident, Viṣṇu vanished from sight, his mind seized by fear. Terrified, he became invisible. O goddess, I stationed the host at the very gate of heaven, commanding that a careful blockade be established. Thus, expulsion occurred, and the gods were driven from heaven, conquered and cast out. With the gate of heaven blocked, Indra and the other gods were overwhelmed with fear. In their presence, the reasons for the blockade were explained. They lamented, "Entry has become difficult now that the gate is blocked. By what means can we reach such a heavenly realm? O Grandsire, without heaven, there is no joy for us." Hearing their words, Brahmā spoke to them. He declared, "He—Śiva—is to be praised, worshipped, and saluted. He is the maker of creation and destruction, the protector, the creator, the capable one; he is our supreme refuge. Therefore, with all your effort, seek refuge in Śiva. Together with the gods, O Indra, go quickly as I command. At the gate of heaven stands a supreme liṅga, O Vāsava; worship it swiftly, for he will grant you your desire." Hearing Brahmā’s words, the gods were filled with joy. They beheld the supreme liṅga, the bestower of heaven’s gate and merit. Thus, all of them, illustrious ones, regained heaven as before. Then I addressed the excellent Gaṇas whom I had instructed, telling them to return. The god who grants access to the gate of heaven has been seen by the gods, without doubt. At once, Indra and the other gods and their hosts reached the gate of heaven. He who bestows the heavenly world will become renowned on earth. Those men who see Śiva, the Lord of the Gate of Heaven, even by chance in this world, are truly blessed, for the god who is the Lord of the Gate of Heaven bestows his grace upon all who behold him.