When Andhaka entered the city, O venerable sage, he did so at the head of his formidable forces. At that moment, Viṣṇu—the supreme among the immortals, wielder of the discus and mace—rose to confront the threat. With arrows released from his mighty Śārṅga bow, Viṣṇu pierced Andhaka, the foremost of the Dānavas. Some foes he struck down with his mace, while others met their end at the whirling discus of Janārdana. Drawing some adversaries close with his plough, he crushed others with the heavy pestle. Amidst this tumult, the primeval being—the creator and ancient grandsire—became present. The Dānavas were touched by the sacred waters of Brahmā, water composed of all holy fords, and this sin-destroying water cleansed them. Yet, witnessing Brahmā's destroyer slaying the great Asuras in battle, the Dānavas were filled with terror. Among them, Bala, the mightiest son of Danu and invincible to both gods and demons, surged forward. In his wrath, he hurled the thunderbolt at Bala’s head, declaring, “Fool, you are slain!” But the weapon shattered, unable to harm him. Overwhelmed, Bala fled, and even the lord of the gods, frightened, turned away and withdrew from the battle, O great sage. As he retreated, a voice called 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 Viṣṇu, the lord spoke, “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 sought shelter in you.” Viṣṇu replied, “Pray for a weapon from Agni; he will surely grant it to you.” So, the king sought refuge with Agni, and Nārada spoke, “Now Jambha is being summoned; therefore, give me a weapon.” Because the king had abandoned his pride and taken refuge in Viṣṇu alone, the Blessed One, radiant and compassionate, bestowed a weapon upon Indra and ascended to heaven. Thus armed, the destroyer of enemies advanced to face Jambha, determined to slay him. In the ensuing battle, Jambha, furious, struck down the lord of elephants, who fell like a great mountain shattered by Indra’s thunderbolt. The mighty beast abandoned Mandara mountain and crashed to the earth. Voices called out, “Do not fall, O Śakra! Remain on the earth today, O Vāsava.” Indra replied, “How can I fight the enemy without wings?” But he was urged, “Fight on! Mount the chariot; when it is ready, we shall send it to you.” The chariot, splendid with a banner bearing the monkey emblem and surrounded on all sides by monkeys, was readied. Messengers, led by Viśvāvasu, were dispatched to Indra. Indra asked, “How shall I fight in battle? How shall I restrain the horses?” The answer came, “You must yourself restrain the horses; when you do, you will destroy the enemies—there is no other way.” Already, the horses were present, and Indra was urged to take command. But as he attempted, Indra fell to the ground, his garland and garments slipping away. The earth trembled at the sight of Indra’s fall. His wife, deeply concerned, said, “Lord, take the child outside as you wish.” She further advised, “Listen, lord, to what the astrologer has declared: whatever is outside, O best of sages, will become double.” Without delay, the Brahmin quickly cast the child outside onto the ground. The destined time had passed, and thus only half the harm foretold would occur.