He approached all the noble-born elders and asked them, “What, indeed, is the most beneficial course for me?” They replied, “Whatever action is most auspicious for you, and likewise for our own welfare, that should be done.” Once, mighty Hiraṇyakaśipu had risen to become Indra, lord over the three worlds. Yet, before the very eyes of the lords of the Dānavas, he was torn apart by the nails—his end came swiftly and terribly. For the sake of the Dānavas, O mighty-armed one, we revere Śaṅkara, the trident-wielding Lord. And Kujambha, too, was struck down by Viṣṇu before your very eyes, like a beast. Virocana, your father, also met his end; I tell you this so you may know. Then, preparations began in earnest. All the great Asuras gathered together, making ready for war. Foot soldiers and all manner of warriors set forth to battle with the gods. Bali and Kālanemi stood at the front of their army, resolute in the midst of their forces. Tāraka, dreadful and fearsome, advanced upon the southern flank. He spoke to the Daityas, commanding them to fight, and their armies assembled around them. The Blessed One, ever ready, mounted the chariot of Mātali. Each combatant mounted their own vehicle, eager for the coming battle, and set out to the field. The Vidyādharas, Guhyakas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and serpents all joined the fray; some mounted elephants, others chariots, still others horses. Thus mounted, they rushed to where the Daitya army was stationed, the air thick with anticipation. At that moment, Viṣṇu, best of the gods, mounted up and advanced. He bowed his head, together with all the excellent gods, in reverence before the battle. Vishnu, the thousand-eyed, moved at the center of the formation, protecting the rear ranks. On the right flank, mighty Varuna advanced, lending his strength to support the side. Hosts of warriors, arms raised, wielding a dazzling variety of weapons and missiles, confronted the enemy force upon the mountain. There, in a place barren of trees and birds, the battle between gods and demons erupted. It was on the highest mountain, reminiscent of the ancient clash between the monkey and the elephant. A cloud, tinged with the color of twilight, appeared in the sky, O best of ascetics. Day and night, everywhere, the sounds of battle rang out: “Cut! Break!” Blood began to flow, mingling with dust, embodying utter confusion and chaos. Together, they charged forward with the wise Skanda. The Daityas, protected by Maya and fierce in battle, struck down the gods. O Nārada, the gods were defeated in battle by the Daityas, even with Skanda at their side. Then, bowing to the Sharnga bow, Viṣṇu struck again and again, unleashing showers of arrows. The Daityas, pressed hard, sought refuge with Kālanemi, the great Asura. O Brahman, their strength grew, just as a disease increases when left unattended. Taking each one, the mighty one hurled them into a wide-open mouth, devouring the enemy. With his discus blazing like fire, spreading horizontally and upward, between earth and sky, on all sides, Viṣṇu’s weapon seemed to embody the fire of time itself, as if the entire world was about to be consumed. The Daityas, overwhelmed, attacked Hari—who was honored by the hosts of immortals and adorned with a lovely crown—with volleys of weapons and missiles. Yet their glory was diminished, though their arrogance overflowed. With eyes reddened in anger, Viṣṇu, by his gaze alone, swept away the strength of chariots, elephants, and horses. With well-feathered nārāca arrows, he covered the enemy as clouds cover the mountains. At the outset, the lord of the Dānavas, Śatavadana, sent Kālanemi against Keśava, the lord of the gods’ army and master of the worlds, who possesses immeasurable strength. That Dānava, whose voice was like thunder, saw Viṣṇu—proud and the destroyer of the Daitya clan—and laughed, then spoke at length. He, the ender of Hiraṇya’s line and fond of worship with flowers, now stood before him. “Where does that wretch go, fallen within the range of my sight?” he challenged, preparing for the confrontation that would decide the fate of the worlds.