Then, filled with fury at the turn of events, the two valiant brothers, Sumbha and Niśumbha, rose up in wrath. At the same time, the gods themselves, led by the thousand-eyed Indra, prepared for battle and marched forth. In the ensuing chaos, the asuras seized Indra’s mighty elephant and Yama’s formidable buffalo by force, claiming them as their own. Not stopping there, the Dānavas also carried away treasures—the sacred lotus, the conch, and other precious objects—demonstrating their dominance. Soon, they reached the earth’s surface and came face to face with a great Asura. The Asura introduced himself, saying, “I am a Daitya, O lord, a minister of Mahiṣa.” He spoke of two renowned ministers, Canda and Muṇḍa, both celebrated for their valor and splendor. “Our lord,” he continued, “was the Dānava named Mahiṣa. But now, what is your strength, what is your power? Declare it, if you will. This is my younger brother, Niśumbha, destroyer of hosts of enemies. Together, all the other mighty heroes have already been conquered. Until then, we two, surrounded by our armies, will slay them.” Just then, Canda and Muṇḍa, the two Dānavas, emerged from the waters and addressed the assembly with gentle words, inquiring, “Who is this leader of yours?” They learned that the second was Niśumbhaka, the younger brother. With pride, Sumbha proclaimed, “I will marry her who is the jewel among the three worlds. He who is truly the lord is alone worthy of the jewel; therefore, let her be given to Śumbha.” In that very moment, Kauśikī, radiant with beauty, was born again in the same way. Sumbha then sent a demon to approach the goddess who dwelled in the Vindhya mountains. Angered, Niśumbha and Śumbha spoke out, and a messenger went to the goddess, delivering their message: “I am the lord of the three worlds,” he declared to her. “There are countless jewels in my palace at all times. Therefore, choose either me or my younger brother Niśumbha.” The goddess replied, “It is true: Śumbha is lord of the three worlds and worthy of the jewel. But whoever conquers me in battle, that great Asura shall be my husband.” The messenger, astonished, wondered aloud, “How can she not defeat you? Rise up, O radiant one. Go with your desire, and report it to Sumbha. She, blazing like a mass of fire, will act as she sees fit.” Upon hearing this, Sumbha called for the distant demon Dhūmralocana. He commanded, “Make her, though faultless, a slave; bring her here quickly. He must be slain without hesitation, even if he were an ancestor.” With six mighty warriors at his side, Dhūmralocana set out for Mount Vindhya. He threatened, “If she does not come by force, I will drag her by her hair. What could a powerless woman do there? Do as you wish.” Dhūmralocana rushed forward, brandishing his mace, full of strength and fury. Yet, in an instant, he and his forces were reduced to ashes by the blazing power of Kauśikī, as dry wood is consumed by fire. Witnessing this destruction, Sumbha then commanded the powerful Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa, great demons, to act. Their army was immense and unmatched, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots, ready to carry out their master’s will.