In that sacred place, all creatures—those with four feet and two, the stationary and the moving alike—were gathered. There, a divine year of the Bhargava lineage passed, marking time in a realm beyond ordinary reckoning. Seeking sustenance, Shukra, the illustrious sage of the Bhargava line, approached the great god for refuge. With humility, he addressed the thousand-eyed Lord: “O mighty one, I have come to you for shelter. Having witnessed all the worlds within your body, I am weary and seek refuge in you.” The Lord, compassionate and powerful, responded, “Come forth, you are now my son, O moon among the Bhargavas, born by the organ indeed.” With these words, the Blessed Lord released Shukra from his body, and Shukra emerged into the world once more. Bowing respectfully to Shambhu, Shukra swiftly made his way to the formidable army of the great Asuras, eager to join their ranks. Once again, the Asuras resolved to wage battle, joining forces with the lords of their hosts. All of them, yearning for victory, plunged into a tumultuous conflict. A terrible duel erupted, fierce and relentless. Bali, wise and valiant, fought against Kumbhadhvaja; Virocana engaged Nandishena. Vana, the foremost among Rakshasas, battled Naigameya Bala. Duryodhana, mighty and resolute, fought the powerful Ghantakarna. O sage among the gods, this epic struggle endured for six hundred divine years. The mighty Asura named Jambha restrained the combatants, while Kujambha, full of might, stood against Vishnu, the destroyer of demons. Dvimurdha confronted Pavana, Soma, Rahu, Mitra, and Virupadhrit. Eight mighty archers resisted fiercely in battle. Vatapi and Celvala, masters of weapons and missiles, fought skillfully. Kalanemi, the fierce and great demon, raged alone in the fray, and Vidyunmali, radiant and formidable, also engaged in combat. The Sadhyas, the hosts of the Maruts, and the Nivatakavachas joined the fight, swelling the ranks of the warriors. Six sets of ten oceans of gods were created, vast and awe-inspiring. Then, relying on illusion, the Asuras gradually consumed even the imperishable ones. All were surrounded and excluded by the Pramathas, and even the immortals found themselves beset. Out of anger, Rudra, the master, produced the fearsome Jṛmbhāyikā. With his face distorted, he unleashed the Jṛmbhāyikā weapon, sending its power into the fray. The gods, distressed, hurriedly emerged from the bodies of the demons, shining with lotus-leaf eyes, like lightning flashing from clouds. The great souls fought again, their rage intensified. Yet they were repeatedly defeated in battle, day and night. Then, at the proper time, the imperishable one with eighteen arms was worshipped. Having achieved his purpose, the devoted warrior offered a handful of flowers upon the Lord’s head. He worshipped the sun as Hiraṇyagarbha, reciting sacred prayers. With profound feeling, he danced, whirling his mighty arms with force. Those devoted to the moods of dance, imitating Hara, also danced with fervor. All the Daityas, protected by the three-eyed, three-armed one, prepared themselves for battle once more. Yet, despite their courage and strength, all the Daityas were defeated, fearless but overcome. Then Andhaka, summoning Sunda, spoke these words, setting the stage for what was to come next.