The mighty lord of the asuras, resolute in his ambition, summoned his formidable generals—Ugrāyudha, Cikṣura, and Raktabīja. These sons of Danu arrived and established their camp at the mountain’s base, preparing for battle. Among them was Dundubhi, son of Maya, famed for shattering enemy armies and for striking his war-drum, heralding his presence. Dundubhi, acting as messenger, approached the maiden and declared, “I am sent by the great asura, the unrivaled son of Rambha, famed in battle.” He urged her to listen and convey truthfully the message spoken by his master. Seated in splendor upon the highest throne, the son of Rambha spoke with pride: “The gods, vanquished by me in battle, now wander the earth, bereft of strength. I am Indra, I am Rudra, I am the sun; in all the worlds, O girl, I am the lord. None—spirit or yaksha—who has faced me in battle has ever wished to live.” He continued, “O wide-eyed maiden, today, in the month of Śrāvaṇa, my hard-won achievements are gathered here. Accept me as lord of the world; I am a worthy husband, mighty and powerful. It is true—the lord of the dānavas is supreme on earth, and the gods have been defeated in battle. If today the buffalo demon is given to me, I will accept him as my husband, by the force of truth. He would even give his own head for your sake—what bride-price could possibly be required, if it is to be given here and now to you both?” The maiden smiled at these words and, for the welfare of all beings, both moving and unmoving, replied, “He who conquers me, born of this lineage, in the forefront of battle—he alone shall become my husband.” Dundubhi returned and reported everything faithfully to the buffalo demon. Desiring combat, the buffalo demon ascended to the peak of Mount Vindhya, to Sarasvatī, and appointed the demon Namara as commander of his army. At that moment, Durgā seized a portion of the army and rushed forth swiftly. The demons urged her, “O Ambikā, fasten your armor!” She replied, “Which lowly demon here would dare to stand before me with armor?” For her protection, the Viṣṇu-cage was invoked, declaring the buffalo demon invulnerable to all the gods. Yet, by her own blows, she struck down the king of the buffalo demons, as has been told. Who could diminish his pride in battle, when the wielder of the discus abided in his mind? She slew him along with his mount, and thus, the dispute was resolved in detail. Though surrounded by weapons, she crushed him with her feet. This event, occurring at the dawn of the age of the gods, is holy and removes the fear of sin. O Brahman, the goddess was seen as she wished, surrounded by elephants, horses, and chariots. The buffalo demon rained torrents upon the mountain, as clouds pour forth showers from the sky. In rage, the Goddess seized her excellent bow, whose golden back shone like lightning among rainclouds. With her mace and club she struck down some, and with her shield she felled others. Shaking her lion’s mane, she brought down many demons. Some had their necks torn by ploughs, others were cut down by axes. Some fled, some fell, some withered, and others abandoned the battle, thinking her to be the Night of Destruction, and ran, afflicted by fear. Witnessing this, Namara approached, mounted upon a maddened elephant. In the heat of battle, the demon hurled a trident at the lion.