In the midst of a fierce and tumultuous battle, the great demon Kalanemi raged alone, his fury unmatched. Alongside him, Vidyunmali, radiant and formidable, engaged in combat with equal vigor. The Sadhyas, the hosts of the Maruts, and the mighty Nivatakavachas joined the fray, their presence swelling the ranks of warriors on the field. O great sage, it was then that six sets of ten oceans of gods were brought forth, their numbers vast and awe-inspiring. Yet, relying on their powers of illusion, the demons gradually consumed even those who were considered imperishable. All were surrounded and excluded by the Pramathas, and even the immortals found themselves beset. Out of anger, Rudra, the master, produced the formidable Jṛmbhāyikā. With his face distorted in wrath, he unleashed the Jṛmbhāyikā weapon upon the battlefield. The gods, distressed and eager to escape, hurriedly emerged from the bodies of the demons in which they had been trapped. They shone brilliantly, their lotus-leaf eyes gleaming like lightning flashing from dark clouds. The great souls, inflamed with rage, fought once more. Yet, despite their valor, they were repeatedly defeated in battle, both day and night. At the proper time, the imperishable one with eighteen arms was worshipped, and the devoted one, having achieved his purpose, offered a handful of flowers upon the deity’s head in reverence. He worshipped the sun as Hiraṇyagarbha, reciting sacred prayers. Then, with profound feeling, he began to dance, whirling his mighty arms with force and passion. Those devoted to the moods of dance, imitating Hara, also danced in his honor. Meanwhile, all the Daityas, protected by the three-eyed, three-armed one, prepared themselves for battle. Yet, despite their strength and fearlessness, all the Daityas were defeated. Andhaka, summoning Sunda, spoke determinedly: “Now I will say what I must; listen and do what is fitting. Padma-eyed Pārvatī, daughter of the mountain, dwells in my heart. There, O Dānava, I will enchant her by taking the form of Hara. Then, after going and enjoying her, I will defeat the Pramathas and the gods.” Thus, Andhaka, son of the mountain, was born, and Śaṅkara also appeared. Wounded in body by blows, both reached Mandara mountain. The best of the Asuras entered without hesitation, his mind resolute. There, he saw the form of Maheśvara, battered and bruised by the blows he had suffered. Upon seeing him, Mālinī spoke to Suyaśā, Vijayā, and Jayā: “Rise quickly, you heroes among Daityas, though surrounded by enemies. I myself will heal the wounds of Pinākin.” Having thus spoken, she confirmed her words and rose from her noble seat. Standing before the wielder of the trident, she carefully observed his form and its marks. She recognized the fierce demon, whose body was concealed by illusion. Perceiving the goddess’s thought, the demon Andhaka abandoned Sunda and rushed along the path by which she had gone. Seeing him charging, Girijā fled in fear. That intoxicated one pursued her relentlessly, O best of sages. Out of fear, Gaurī entered a pure white arka blossom, seeking refuge.