Listen now, as the tale unfolds. A voice declares, “I will speak what must be said; heed my words and act as is fitting.” Within his heart dwells Pārvatī, the padma-eyed daughter of the mountain, beloved and radiant. To enchant her, he resolves to assume the form of Hara, the great god. Thus, he goes forth, enjoys her presence, and then vows to overcome the Pramathas and the gods. From this union, Andhaka, son of the mountain, is born, and Śaṅkara too appears. Both are wounded in body by fierce blows and make their way to Mandara mountain. The foremost among the Asuras enters without hesitation or doubt. There, he beholds Maheśvara—his form battered and bruised from battle. Upon seeing Maheśvara in such a state, Mālinī addresses Suyaśā, Vijayā, and Jayā, urging them, “Rise quickly, you heroes among Daityas, though surrounded by enemies. I myself will heal the wounds of Pinākin.” With these words confirmed, she stands from her noble seat and approaches the wielder of the trident, carefully observing his form and its marks. She recognizes the fierce demon, whose body is hidden by illusion. Perceiving the goddess’s thoughts, Andhaka abandons Sunda and rushes along the path she has taken. Seeing him charging, Girijā, filled with fear, flees. The intoxicated Andhaka pursues her relentlessly. Out of terror, Gaurī enters a pure white arka blossom to hide. Meanwhile, when Pārvatī is lost, Hiraṇyalocanī appears once more. Andhaka enters the city with his own forces, ready for battle. Then Viṣṇu, greatest among the immortals, bearer of discus and mace, arises. With arrows released from the Śārṅga bow, Viṣṇu pierces the best of the Dānavas. With his mace, he strikes down some, and with the discus, Janārdana slays others. Drawing some near with the plough, he crushes others with the pestle. The primeval person, the ancient creator and grandsire, Brahmā, touches the Dānavas with water composed of all sacred fords, water that destroys sin. Those Dānavas, purified by that water, witness the destroyer of Brahmā slaying the great Asuras in battle. As he charges, Bala—the foremost of Dānavas, mighty son of Danu and invincible to gods and demons alike—stands against him. A thunderbolt is whirled and hurled at Bala’s head with the cry, “Fool, you are slain!” Yet the thunderbolt shatters, leaving Bala unharmed. Bala flees, and the lord of the gods, frightened, turns his back and withdraws from the battle. But a voice calls out, “Stand your ground! You are king of all that moves and does not move. Flight is not spoken of in the kingly code.” Approaching, Bala speaks: “Hear my words, O Lord! You are my refuge, O Viṣṇu, Lord of past and future. Grant me a weapon, O Blessed One; I have taken refuge in you.” Viṣṇu replies, “Pray for a weapon from Agni; he will surely give it to you.” Bala then seeks refuge with Agni, and Nārada speaks: “Now Jambha is being summoned; therefore, give me a weapon.” Finally, Agni responds, “Because you have abandoned pride and taken refuge in me alone—” and the tale pauses, awaiting the next turn of fate.