The fierce battle raged on, and the demon, straining with wrath, hurled his weapon at the noblest of men. But the righteous one, resolute and unshaken, swiftly cut it apart. The mighty ascetic, renowned for his power and severe austerity, severed the weapon with a razor-edged arrow. Then, ever vigilant, he armed himself with arrows to shield his body, O Nārada. Undeterred, the lord struck the ascetic Surata in the heart with a broad-headed arrow. The ascetic collapsed onto the floor of his chariot, and his charioteer quickly bore him away from the field. Yet, the ascetic was not defeated; seizing a formidable bow, he returned once more to the fray, eager for battle. But then, the lord of the Daityas was addressed: “Go, O lord of the Daityas; we shall resume our fight at dawn—now, perform your daily rites.” Heeding these words, the Daitya departed to the sacred Naimisha forest, where he diligently performed his daily rituals. That night, his mind was restless. He pondered ceaselessly how he might overcome his cunning adversary in combat. Yet, a thousand divine years passed, and still the demon could not conquer the god. Eventually, clad in yellow garments, the demon approached and spoke humbly, “Today I am unable to conquer you; tell me, what is the reason for this?” The wise and excellent Brāhmaṇa was to be honored by gods and demons alike, even in battle. “How then can that which has been vowed become untrue?” he reflected. Thus, O Viṣṇu, he resolved to purify himself before the Lord. Bathing his head, the demon stood and offered praises to the eternal Brahman. A voice spoke: “Go; you will conquer him through devotion, not by battle in any way. By your grace, even Indra has been subdued—what then of Dharmaja? None can stand against your favor, O unborn one. What can I do? He has undertaken great austerity to establish righteousness. You will defeat him through devotion; therefore, serve Dharmaja.” Hearing this, the demon was filled with joy. He summoned Andhaka and said, “This kingdom, relinquished by me, accept it, O mighty-armed one.” Then Prahlāda himself journeyed to the sacred hermitage of Badarikā. With hands joined in reverence, he bowed at the feet of the ascetics. Dharmaja asked, “For what reason have you bowed here, O great demon, without conquering me?” Prahlāda replied with deep humility, “You are Nārāyaṇa, the infinite one, clad in yellow, O Janārdana. You are the imperishable, the great lord, eternal and supreme. The learned, having completed their studies, recite your name, and those devoted to sacrifice worship you. You are the great fish, the horse-headed one, and indeed the noble tortoise. You are also the man-lion who destroyed my father. You are the sun, the moon, the origin of all that moves and does not move, O Lord, master, banner of the king of birds. The entire universe is pervaded by you; who could possibly conquer you, O Mādhava? Truly, you are unconquerable, O all-pervading, imperishable one.” Dharmaja replied, “By exclusive devotion, I have been defeated by you, O Daitya. For the sake of your penance, I will grant you a boon—choose whatever you desire.” Prahlāda answered, “Let my sin be destroyed—both bodily and mental. Even if such a boon has been granted to a man, bestow it upon me.” Dharmaja, pleased, said, “Ask for a second boon; that too I will give you, O Asura.