Virochana, the son of Prahlada, was ever consumed by the desire to destroy Indra. Yet, in the great war against Taraka, it was Indra who slew Virochana. Sanjaba, having received invulnerability and special weapons from a divine source, met his end in the sixth battle when Vishnu, manifest within Shakra, struck him down. When the gods were unable to defend the triple city, Tryambaka destroyed Tripura, annihilating all the Danavas who dwelled there. In the eighth battle, the Asuras and Rakshasas—those who bring darkness—gathered together with the Pitris, who had previously conquered both gods and men. But the Danavas, assembled in full force, were vanquished by Mahendra, aided by Vishnu. Dhvaja was slain by Mahendra, who fought from behind the veil of illusion, and the mighty Vipravartin, who entered the mark on the banner, was overthrown. Raji, surrounded by the gods, conquered all the Daityas and Danavas in the tumultuous Kolahala. Shandamarka too was defeated by the gods, empowered by the nectar of sacrifice. Thus, twelve great battles between the gods and Asuras took place, bringing ruin to both sides and misfortune to all beings. King Hiranyakashipu ruled for a hundred million years, then for seventy-two hundred thousand more, and for eighty thousand years he was lord of the three worlds. After him, Bali ascended the throne, reigning for another hundred million years, and for sixty thousand and thirty hundred thousand more. As long as Bali ruled, Prahlada maintained his influence, and during this era, the Asuras held dominion over the kingdom. These three mighty Indras of the Asuras governed all the Daityas for ten yugas, during which time everything was under their control. For another ten yugas, their reign was unchallenged, but afterwards, the three worlds were protected by the ever-powerful Indra. With the passage of time, the three worlds slipped from Prahlada’s grasp, and when the destined hour arrived, Pakaśāsana—Indra—ruled over all. The gods, abandoning the Asuras, approached the sacrificial altar. Seeing the gods return to sacrifice, the Asuras spoke to Kāvya, their wise leader: “Our kingdom has been taken from us before our very eyes. The gods have abandoned the sacrifice, only to return. Now we are powerless; let us descend into the netherworld.” Kāvya, distressed by their plight, comforted them: “Do not fear, Asuras. I will sustain you with my own power. All rain, plants, waters, and wealth reside within me; the gods receive their share only from my feet. For your sake, I will grant and sustain all this.” Seeing the Asuras supported by Kāvya, the gods grew anxious and eager for victory. They conferred among themselves, saying, “Kāvya is turning everything away from us. Let us act swiftly—when their food is exhausted, we will revive them, and by force, send the remaining Asuras to the underworld.” Enraged, the gods attacked the Danavas. As the Danavas were struck down, they fled to Kāvya for refuge. Kāvya, seeing them wounded and pursued, rescued the sons of Diti from the gods. Reflecting on the situation and recalling past events, Kāvya addressed the gods after meditating: “Vāmana conquered the three worlds in three strides. Bali was bound, Jambha slain, and Virocana killed. In twelve great battles, the foremost Asuras were destroyed by the gods, mostly through various strategies. You who remain are but a few, survivors of the last conflicts. I will devise a plan for you; wait a little longer.” He continued, “I will go to Mahādeva for mantras, so that you may be victorious. Agni, the Hotṛ, will be invigorated by mantras from Bṛhaspati. Then I will go to Nīlalohita for mantras; after returning, I will show you favor. Meanwhile, you should practice austerities in the forest, clad in bark garments and withdrawn from the world. The gods will not attack you until I return. When I have obtained unfailing mantras from Maheshvara, we shall again fight the gods, and you will surely attain victory.” The Asuras agreed, saying to the gods, “We have presented our arguments; you may rule the worlds. We will undertake austerities in the forest, clad in bark garments, heeding Prahlada’s truthful words.” The gods, relieved and joyful, withdrew, and the Daityas laid down their weapons, returning to their places as before. Kāvya spoke to the Asuras: “Let some time be spent in worship, with those intent on austerity and without desire, fulfilling the purpose of our task. All the gods, along with Indra, are dwelling in my father’s hermitage.” Having instructed the Asuras, Kāvya approached Mahadeva, bowed, and addressed the lord—the origin of the universe—with pleasing words: “O god, I desire mantras not possessed by Brihaspati, for the defeat of the gods and to bring fearlessness to the Asuras.” Mahadeva replied, “You desire mantras, O twice-born. Undertake the vow I prescribe, as a devoted celibate. If you worship for a full thousand years, with your head lowered to the smoke of the altar, then, O blessed one, you will obtain the mantra from me.” Shukra, of great austerity, touched the deity’s feet and replied, “So be it. I shall undertake the prescribed vow, O lord.” Appointed by the god, Shukra became the keeper of the altar and the maker of smoke, beginning his long and arduous penance for the sake of the Asuras.