The great sages gathered and, with heartfelt devotion, chanted, “May there be well-being for all the worlds,” offering their prayers for universal peace. Observing the unrest and confusion among the people, the sages wondered aloud, “What is this? The people are disturbed and have become doubtful.” Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they counseled each other, “It is fitting for us all to go and see the bearer of the discus and mace,” referring to Lord Viṣṇu. Led by the Grandsire Brahmā, the assembly went to the abode of Viṣṇu, the enemy of Mura. Eager for clarity, they asked, “Whether it is a demon, a Rākṣasa, or a king—let that be told. Who is causing this turmoil?” They repeated their question, seeking to know the nature of the threat. “And how was he slain in battle by Viṣṇu? Tell us that,” they implored, for such a tale, they knew, would be marvelous, meritorious, and destroy sin. In the battle, the sons of Diti, armed and resolute, confronted the greatest of the gods. Mura, the mighty demon, worshipped the unconquered Brahmā, seeking a boon from the Grandsire. He asked, “Touched by my hand, even an immortal would become mortal.” Empowered by this blessing, the formidable Mura, full of great energy, ascended to the mountain of the gods. O Nārada, none could match Mura’s strength in battle. Even Purandara, Indra himself, did not dare to fight him. None were able to halt Mura’s advance as he entered the celestial realms. Mura challenged, “Give battle, O thousand-eyed one, or else abandon heaven.” Indra, unable to withstand him, abandoned the kingdom of heaven and became one who roamed the earth. With his kin, the mighty one of great splendor, gods, and his son, Mura too enjoyed immense pleasures in heaven. The virtuous rejoiced in heaven upon meeting Mura, as was proper for those who dwell there. Alone, mounted on an elephant, Mura traveled towards the river Sarayu. There, he saw the one named Raghu, consecrated for a sacrificial rite. Mura declared, “Unless the sacrifice is stopped, the deities should not be worshipped by you.” Then the wise Brahmin Vasiṣṭha, foremost among ascetics, spoke: “If you wish to strike him, then also restrain Antaka, Death himself. If he is conquered, consider the entire earth as conquered.” Mura set out to conquer Dharmarāja, the wielder of the staff. Mounting his buffalo, he approached Keśava, Lord Viṣṇu. He said, “Go now; send forth the great asura to me.” Meanwhile, the demon Mura arrived at the city. The challenge was issued: “Speak the word—what action will you take, lord of the Dānavas? Otherwise, today I will cut off your head and cast it to the ground. Having defeated him, I will restrain him; there is no doubt.” Mura protested, “He who dwells in Śvetadvīpa, the imperishable one, restrains me. I myself will go there, prepared to restrain him.” For in Śvetadvīpa abides the blessed Lord Viṣṇu, master of the worlds and the very essence of the universe. Yet, Mura was counseled, “You must not yet restrain those men who follow dharma. But when restraint is indeed appropriate, then engage in battle.” For it is in Śvetadvīpa, where Janārdana, the four-formed one, rests upon the couch of Śeṣa, that the ultimate confrontation awaited.