In the midst of a fierce and wondrous battle, Ambikā, the great goddess, severed the hide along with her opponent, creating a spectacle as if something miraculous had occurred. With a speed rivaling the wind itself, she rushed at the one born from the treasury, determined and unstoppable. In the heat of combat, Ambikā wielded a razor-edged weapon, cutting down her foe and his mace with unerring precision. The mothers, beginning with Caṇḍā, were filled with delight and made a clattering sound, their joy echoing across the battlefield. Overcome with happiness, they cried out with exuberant voices, “Victory! Triumph!” as the enemy fell before them. The gods themselves, witnessing this glorious moment, showered flowers upon Kātyāyanī in reverence and gratitude. Meanwhile, a mighty being mounted Vṛndāraka, holding a noose in his hand, and approached the scene. He drew four arrows, each radiant like the crescent moon. Ambikā, smiling with playful confidence, struck two jars with two of her arrows, just as Indra’s thunderbolt strikes the head of the king of mountains. Then Śivā, with unwavering aim, cut off the head adorned with earrings using an arrow, reminiscent of Mahāsena striking the crane and the buffalo being struck down. Having arrived at that great mountain, the gods bowed humbly before the goddess and spoke words of praise. They offered salutations to her, the giver of kingdoms to Hari and Hara, and the accomplisher of the deeds of sacrificers. They hailed her as the destroyer of the buffalo demon, honored by Hari, Hara, and Bhāskara. They praised her as the remover of the world’s suffering, wielder of the trident, and Nārāyaṇī, bearer of the discus. Salutations flowed for her as bearer of the thunderbolt with the elephant banner, for Kaumāri who rides the peacock, and for she who rides upon the donkey’s back, remover of all suffering and the universe itself. The gods continued their praises, honoring her as all-pervading and three-eyed, bestower of boons and gracious to her devotees. They acknowledged her difficult-to-behold form as Nārasiṃhī, with a roaring voice, as Indrāṇī armed with the thunderbolt, as Mārī clad in hide, delighting in the path of skulls, and as a Yoginī accomplished in yoga. They declared that there is truly no misfortune or disgrace for those who always offer her praise, strength, and flowers. By her grace, they had attained the utmost victory over the enemies of the gods in battle. She assured them that the destruction of evil dreams would certainly occur, leaving no room for doubt, and invited them to choose another boon as they desired. The goddess promised that she would again burn up the enemies of the gods, her body blazing like fire. She was devoted to the destruction of the demon Andha and renowned in the worlds by the name Carcikā. She spoke of the adversaries—Vipracitti, Lavaṇa, Śumbha, Niśumbha, and the ten-fanged assailant—and declared that, together with the goddess of boundless truth and power, she would bear the gods as Śākambharī. Having slain the wicked Daityas, she would return to the abode of the gods. Assuming the form of Mahālī, after destroying life, she would once more return to heaven. Having dismissed the beings, the goddess departed into the sky, followed by hosts of perfected beings. The Blessed Lord proclaimed that this story, which destroys demons, should always be listened to by the devoted. Then, a new inquiry arose. “O Brahman, tell me this in detail, as you are devoted to me,” a voice requested. O Nārada, the fame of the youth Kārtikeya increased, shining brightly throughout the worlds. Because of this, Brahman, the fire-god of great radiance was overcome. He was quickly sent by the gods and went to the world of Brahma. Upon seeing her, he said, “O crooked one, this radiance is very difficult to bear. Therefore, accept this child; he will become blessed for you.” He then spoke to the great river: “Cast the fire into the water for me.” From this event, flesh, bones, blood, marrow, intestines, semen, and skin were formed. Because of his golden seed, he is sung in the worlds as Pāvaka, the radiant one.