O sage, the battle between Nara and the lord of the Daityas raged with terrible intensity. At first, the demon king unleashed six arrows, then three, and finally one, all aimed at Nara. In response, Nara released six, then seven, eight, nine, and another six arrows, each finding its mark. But the Daitya lord, undeterred, let loose a storm of seventy-two arrows. Their anger mounting, both warriors began to shoot countless arrows, filling the sky with a ceaseless shower of missiles. Yet the foremost among demons, wielding arrows tipped with gold, swiftly cut down those that came toward him, displaying extraordinary skill. The two engaged in fierce combat, hurling mighty and terrifying weapons at each other. At one moment, the Maheshvara missile and the Supreme Person’s weapon clashed in midair, their powers so evenly matched that they fell together to the ground, neutralized. Then, seizing his heavy mace with great force, the Daitya king leapt down from his splendid chariot. Seeing his adversary’s move, Nara, eager for the fight, turned to face the demon from behind. At that moment, the ancient and renowned sage Narada—protector of the worlds, known as Narayana—stood witness to the unfolding drama. Whirling his mace with blinding speed, Nara struck Sadhya forcefully on the head. From Sadhya’s eyes, water poured to the earth, glowing like a fiery shower. Shattered by the blow, Sadhya fell in a hundred pieces, like a mountain peak split by lightning. Unshaken, the hero took up his bow and drew an arrow from his quiver. His face darkened with anger as he released it at Sadhya, and with further arrows he pierced the demon again and again. Both warriors then pierced each other with arrows shaped like serpents, striking at vital points with deadly precision. The onlookers, eager for a glimpse of this extraordinary contest, beheld a battle that was swift, marvelous, and truly wondrous. The heroes of the Sadhyas and the Daityas showered an incomparable rain of flowers upon the combatants, honoring their valor. As great archers, they fought in ways that delighted all who watched. Arrows rained down in volleys, covering every direction and filling the sky. With sharp arrows, Nara pierced Prahlada in all his vital spots. In turn, Prahlada struck the best of men in the heart, the arms, and the face. Then, with a single arrow shining like the crescent moon, Nara cut apart his opponent’s weapon. Without pause, he restrung his bow and showered forth more sharp arrows. The Supreme Person then cut Prahlada’s bow with a razor-edged arrow. When Prahlada seized another weapon, it too was swiftly cut down. Next, Prahlada took up a fierce, long, and sturdy club made entirely of iron, whirling it with force. But the great sage cut it in two with a broad-headed arrow. The foremost of men hurled a mighty mace at his adversary, but the adept cut it into ten pieces; shattered, it fell to the ground. Undeterred, Prahlada hurled another weapon at his foe, but the righteous one cut it apart. The mighty ascetic, powerful and austere, cut down every weapon hurled at him with razor-edged arrows. Taking up more arrows, he shielded himself from further attacks, O Narada. With a broad-headed arrow, the lord struck the ascetic of Surata in the heart, causing him to collapse onto the chariot floor. The charioteer quickly carried him away from the field. Yet, the indomitable warrior took up a very strong bow and returned to the fray, eager to continue the battle. At this point, the lord of the Daityas was addressed: “Go, O lord of the Daityas; we shall resume our battle in the morning. Perform your daily rites.” Thus, he withdrew to the sacred Naimisha forest and performed his daily rituals there. Through the night, he pondered how he might overcome the one he believed to be deceitful in battle. Yet, O sage, even after a thousand divine years, the demon could not conquer the god.