O wise one, a dreadful and awe-inspiring duel unfolded, echoing across the heavens. The wise Bali engaged in fierce combat with Kumbhadhvaja, while Virocana matched his might against Nandishena. Vana, the foremost among Rakshasas, stood against the valiant Naigameya Bala, and Duryodhana, resolute and strong, faced the formidable Ghantakarna. For six hundred divine years, these mighty warriors battled unceasingly, their conflict stretching across the ages. Amidst this chaos, the powerful Asura named Jambha restrained the combatants, holding the tide of battle at bay. Kujambha, mighty and relentless, stood in opposition to Vishnu himself, the great destroyer of demons. Dvimurdha confronted the gods Pavana, Soma, Rahu, Mitra, and Virupadhrit, and all eight great archers resisted fiercely, unleashing their skills upon the battlefield. Vatapi and Celvala, masters of many weapons and missiles, fought with unmatched prowess. Kalanemi, the fierce and terrible demon, raged alone in the thick of battle, while Vidyunmali, radiant and mighty, also engaged with all his strength. The Sadhyas, the hosts of Maruts, and the Nivatakavachas joined the fray, swelling the ranks of the warriors. O great sage, in the midst of this turmoil, six sets of ten oceans of gods were formed. Yet, relying on powerful illusions, the Asuras gradually consumed even the imperishable ones. The gods and immortals found themselves surrounded and excluded by the fierce Pramathas. In his wrath, Rudra, the master of all, manifested the mighty weapon Jṛmbhāyikā. With a distorted visage, he unleashed this formidable power. Immediately, the gods, distressed and desperate, sprang forth from the bodies of the demons, shining with lotus-leaf eyes, brilliant as lightning flashing from rain-laden clouds. The great souls, now free, returned to battle, their anger burning hotter than before. Yet, despite their efforts, they were repeatedly defeated, day and night, by their relentless foes. At the appointed time, the imperishable one with eighteen arms was worshipped with reverence. Having fulfilled his purpose, the devoted worshipper offered a handful of flowers upon the deity’s head. He honored the sun as Hiraṇyagarbha with heartfelt prayers, then danced with deep emotion, whirling his mighty arms in ecstasy. Those devoted to the art of dance, emulating Hara, joined in this sacred dance. Meanwhile, all the Daityas, shielded by the three-eyed, three-armed one, readied themselves for yet another battle. Yet, despite their courage and strength, all the Daityas were ultimately overcome and defeated. In the aftermath, Andhaka called forth Sunda and spoke to him, “Now I will say what must be done; listen and act accordingly. Padma-eyed Pārvatī, daughter of the mountain, dwells within my heart. There, O Dānava, I shall enchant her by taking the form of Hara. Then, after going to her and enjoying her company, I will defeat the Pramathas and the gods.” Thus, from these events, Andhaka, son of the mountain, was born, and Śaṅkara too appeared. Both, wounded and battered from fierce blows, made their way to the sacred Mandara mountain. The best among the Asuras entered without a trace of hesitation in his heart. There, he beheld Maheśvara himself, bruised and wounded. Upon seeing this, Mālinī addressed Suyaśā, Vijayā, and Jayā, saying, “Rise quickly, O heroes among the Daityas, even though you are surrounded by enemies!