Shiva, the Great Lord, enveloped the sage Bhargava within his own belly. While inside, the sage offered heartfelt praises to that Blessed One, his words resounding with reverence. Again and again, he saluted Shankara—the Three-Eyed, the Supreme Lord—offering obeisance to the Fire of Desire, to Vamadeva, the Foe of Time. He bowed repeatedly to Mahadeva, to Sharva, the Lord of all. With deep humility, Bhargava entreated, “O best of gods, grant me this boon today: that I may emerge once more from your very belly.” As soon as the Lord had spoken, Bhargava, the foremost among his lineage, began to move within Shiva’s divine form. Within the god’s belly, Bhargava beheld marvelous sights: he saw the vast oceans and the many underworlds, teeming with all manner of beings—both moving and still. He witnessed the hosts of Yakshas, Kimpurushas, Gandharvas, and Apsaras. He saw trees and shrubs, mountains and vines, fruits, roots, and healing herbs, as well as every kind of creature, those with four feet and two, stationary and moving alike. In that wondrous place, a full divine year passed for Bhargava. At last, seeking refuge, he approached the great god, humbly bent as if for alms. “O thousand-eyed great god, I have come to you for shelter. Having seen all the worlds within your body, I am weary and seek your protection.” Shiva, moved by his devotion, declared, “Come forth, you are now my son, O moon among the Bhargava lineage. Emerge by the organ.” Thus, the Blessed Lord released Shukra, and he emerged from Shiva’s body. Shukra bowed deeply to Shambhu, and then, with swift steps, returned to the mighty army of the great Asuras. Once again, the Asuras, together with their lords, resolved upon battle. Desiring victory, all of them joined in a tumultuous and terrible conflict. Bali, the wise, fought Kumbhadhvaja; Virocana faced Nandishena. The foremost Rakshasa, Vana, battled Naigameya Bala, while Duryodhana engaged the mighty Ghantakarna. For six hundred divine years, these sage-like warriors fought. The powerful Asura Jambha restrained their fury, while Kujambha, fierce in might, opposed Vishnu himself, the destroyer of demons. Dvimurdha confronted Pavana, as well as Soma, Rahu, Mitra, and Virupadhrit. Eight mighty archers resisted fiercely in the fray. Vatapi and Celvala, masters of many weapons, fought valiantly, and the terrible Kalanemi raged alone in the battle. Vidyunmali, radiant among the demons, entered the fight as well. The Sadhyas, the hosts of Maruts, and the Nivatakavachas joined the conflict, and six sets of ten oceans of gods were created in the struggle. Relying on their powers of illusion, the Asuras gradually began to consume even the imperishable ones. The Pramathas, together with the immortals, surrounded and excluded all others. Then, out of anger, Rudra, the master, produced the formidable Jṛmbhāyikā. Distorting his face, he unleashed this mighty weapon. The gods, distressed, rushed forth from the bodies of the demons, shining with eyes like lotus leaves, their brilliance flashing like lightning from the clouds.