Accompanied by his devoted disciples, he journeyed down into the netherworld—the dark and formidable realm where the demons made their home. For seven nights, a relentless shower of stones rained down upon this place, a fierce assault that shook the very foundations of the rakshasas’ abode, which had been fashioned by the god Shambhu himself. In the aftermath, the ordinary demons were reduced to ashes, their forces suffering a crushing defeat. It was said that if even an ordinary woman possessed the power to burn her foes, how much greater would that power be in the daughter of the mountain? And this foe—the mighty Shambhu—was of such immeasurable strength that he was difficult even to look upon, let alone to confront in battle. Amidst these events, the powerful demon Andhaka addressed Prahlada, speaking with a body reddened by ashes, standing alone and bereft of righteousness. He questioned how one with eyes as keen as a bull’s leaf could possibly fear the gaze of a woman’s face. But Prahlada replied, “What you say is not correct; your words run contrary to dharma and true meaning. The difference between you and Hara is as great as that between an elephant and a mosquito, or between gold and stone.” He urged Andhaka to listen to the wisdom of the great sage Devarshi Asita, who taught: “He who delights in his own wife and avoids the wives of others has nothing to fear in this world. But one who covets another’s wife, even if of noble birth, finds no happiness here or hereafter. Manu, son of the Sun, was steadfast in dharma; Agastya was content with his own wife. Such men gained brilliance, endured curses and boons with patience, and became worthy of worship by gods and siddhas alike. But Namuci, the wicked one who harmed others, and King Nahusha, who coveted another’s strength, as well as Yadu and Utkamaujā, who consorted with women of other castes, were all destroyed by unrighteousness in ancient times.” He went on, “Men devoid of dharma fall into the terrible hell called Raurava. Such adharma leads only to downfall in this world and the next. This is the firm law for all castes, O Andhaka. Whoever acts thus goes to the dreadful hell Raurava for countless ages. This law of dharma was declared to Garuḍa and Aruṇa. Another’s wife brings ruin to those who are deceitful and cunning.” Andhaka admitted, “You alone are devoted to dharma; I do not practice it.” Then, turning to Śambara, he commanded, “Go to the lord of mountains, Mandara, and speak to Śaṅkara. Ask him, ‘By whom was this granted to you, which you now enjoy? Why do you remain here, disregarding me, O Mandara? This woman who is your wife—let her be given to me at once.’” Śambara went to the place where Pinākadhṛk, the wielder of the bow, was staying with his consort. Hara replied, with the daughter of the mountain listening, “I cannot give her up without the command of the enemy of trees. Let her go as she wishes; I am not able to restrain her. Go and tell Andhaka my wise words: Whoever wins at the game of dice, having spread it out, shall obtain her.” Śambara returned and relayed the words of Śarva and Gaurī to Andhaka. Summoning Duryodhana, Andhaka instructed him, “Strike her confidently, as one would a woman of bad conduct.” Duryodhana obeyed, striking her forcefully with all his might and vigor.