“I shall strive, O Śakra,” said the god with resolve, “so that the future good may be as you desire.” When the god had completed his ritual bath, the assembled men approached him and respectfully asked, “Instruct us, O Lord, regarding this sin.” He addressed the Pulindas, saying, “Dwell only in the region between the two blissful mountains, the Himālaya and Kaliñjara.” After giving this guidance, and having been duly worshipped, he went to his mother, who was the very embodiment of righteousness and worthy of all praise. With great reverence, he bowed at her feet, radiant like the inside of a lotus, and recounted to her the austerities he had performed. He also told her of his victory in battle, achieved by his own strength, together with the hosts of gods. Yet, his mother, afflicted with sorrow, sought refuge in Viṣṇu, the ancient and praiseworthy Lord. She worshipped him, the primordial source of all that moves and does not move, seeking solace and guidance. Without expectation, with restrained speech and pure conduct, she approached the Lord of the gods for refuge. With devotion, she prayed, “Conquer, O fire born of sin’s fuel, who blocks the mass of darkness—salutations, salutations to you! You are the cause of all that moves and does not move; you are the Lord—O Form of the Universe, protect me. Having overcome the defeat of enemies, I have taken refuge in you.” She honored Viṣṇu with oleander flowers, incense, and food fit for the Sun. Praising him with holy hymns, she stood fasting and engaged in worship. She gave gold and sesame-ghee to the twice-born, purifying herself before the Lord. Then Viṣṇu emerged and stood before her, speaking these words: “By my grace, you will obtain that rare desire—there is no doubt. I will destroy the Dānavas, entering your womb.” Trembling, she addressed the source of the worlds again and again: “In whose womb the entire world—moving and unmoving—dwells, in whose belly the seven oceans reside, along with the mountains, just as I do not experience suffering, so may it be, O Janārdana.” Viṣṇu replied, “Even so, I will be born in your womb, O Goddess. I will sustain myself by yoga—do not be distressed, O Ambikā. Then the Daityas will certainly become powerless.” By a portion of his own splendor, Viṣṇu entered the Goddess’s womb, for the sake of Indra. As Viṣṇu had promised, the Asuras became powerless. Bali, the tiger among Dānavas, noticed this and spoke: “Speak, for you are supremely knowledgeable and skilled in discerning auspicious and inauspicious matters. For what reason has there been a loss of your radiance, and why is it so great?” The yogic soul pondered deeply: “Where is Viṣṇu presently situated?” Desiring to search the worlds above the navel and below the earth, and being master of himself, he began his quest. He saw Meru, the lord of mountains, shining splendidly like gold, majestic in every way. He beheld their mother, surrounded by groups of beasts and birds—the mother of the gods, encircled by all creatures. The lord of the Dānavas entered, determined to search for Madhusūdana. Within the womb of the mother of the gods, he saw the one revered by all who grant boons and feared by all. With all the hosts of gods and demons, he beheld that divine form, pervading all sides. There, Viṣṇu, the one who steals the energy of the Daityas, remained steady in his natural state. Prahlāda, bowing to Madhusūdana, addressed him with sweet and reverent words.