From the faces of the gods, beginning with mighty Shakra, a radiant splendor and divine energy poured forth. The great sage Katyayana, peerless among sages, gathered together this potent energy. From this union, Katyayani was born—a goddess with wide, restless eyes, her body purified through yoga. Her hair was fashioned from the energy of Yama, and her arms arose from the power of Hari, giving her eighteen arms in all. The energy of the lord of waters formed her thighs and shanks, joined at the hips. Her fingers came from the Sun’s energy, while the energy of the Earth shaped her hand-fingers. Her beautiful brows, shining like Kama’s bow, were the gift of the Sadhyas. Thus, she shone forth as Katyayani, and by this name she became renowned throughout the world. Agni bestowed his power upon her, Vāyu gave her a bow, and Sūrya offered an inexhaustible quiver and arrows. Brahmā presented her with a rosary and a water-pot, while Kāla gifted her a fierce sword and shield. The divine artisan, maker of the Vasus, gave her a crest-jewel, earrings, a half-moon, and an axe. The lord of serpents granted her a serpent-necklace, and the bestower of unfading flowers adorned her with a garland. The greatest of the gods—Indra, Viṣṇu, Rudra, Vāyu, Agni, and Sūrya—joined together to praise her. Sleep, in her own form, spread across the earth, along with thirst, shame, hunger, fear, and beauty. Livelihood, compassion, and delusion became her chariot in this world. Salutations were offered to the divine one who takes the forms of worldly existence. Meanwhile, the great mountain Vindhya, with its lofty peaks, had been made lower by the sage Agastya. The question arose: for what reason and by whom was this done? The Sun, having met Kumabhava at the end of a sacrifice, requested a boon: “Grant me a gift, whatever you wish, so that I may dwell content in the three worlds.” Kumabhava replied, “I will give you whatever gift your mind desires; no petitioner ever leaves me disappointed.” The Sun answered, “Today, O Lord, this great mountain blocks my path; strive to make Vindhya lower.” Kumabhava assured him, “This mountain, conquered by your rays, will be under my protection; what distress can there be for you?” The great sage, leaving Daṇḍaka, journeyed to Mount Vindhya despite his aged body. He said to the mountain, “I am old and weak, unable to climb you; therefore, become lower at once.” The foremost of sages stepped over Vindhya and, having crossed, spoke to the mountain: “You must not grow here until I return; otherwise, I will curse you out of disregard.” Vindhya remained subdued, awaiting the sage’s return with hope. Having placed the princess of Vidarbha there, the sage returned to his gentle hermitage. Radiant with ascetic power, he remained in Dandaka, practicing austerities for the rest of his days. He resolved not to withdraw and stayed at the lower peak. At the upper peak, Durga, praised by sages, stood ready for the destruction of demons. All the apsaras gathered around Katyayani, comforting her and standing free from sorrow. Among those who witnessed these events, the two foremost demons, Chanda and Munda, beheld the ascetic woman. As messengers of Mahishasura, they approached the queen of the Daityas and reported, “There is a goddess, a maiden of immense power, most beautiful among the divine beauties. With three eyes she has conquered three fires, and with her throat she has subdued the conch. Thinking you are the illuminator of all, her breasts have become formidable fortresses by love alone. Knowing your valor, they have been made like mechanisms by desire. For fearful, hesitant love, it is as if a staircase has been constructed. In the ascent, for those fearful of you, O demon, the sweat of Manmatha flows.” Thus, the divine story unfolds—of Katyayani’s birth, her adornment by the gods, the lowering of Vindhya, and the demons’ awe at her beauty and power.