For as long as Bali held the right to rule, with Prahlada maintaining authority, the Asuras possessed the kingdom and flourished. During this era, those three renowned Indras of the Asuras—mighty and illustrious—exercised their dominion over all the Daityas, ruling for ten yugas. Throughout that span, everything remained under their unchallenged control. For ten yugas, their reign was unrivaled. But when that time passed, the indestructible three worlds came under the protection of mighty Indra. By the inexorable turn of time, the three worlds slipped from Prahlada’s grasp, and when the destined moment arrived, Pakaśāsana—Indra—became the ruler of the three worlds. At that point, the gods abandoned the Asuras and approached the sacrificial rites. When the gods went to the sacrifice, the Asuras turned to their preceptor, Kāvya (Shukra), and spoke in distress: “Our kingdom has been taken from us before our very eyes. The gods, having abandoned the sacrifice, have returned again. Today, we are powerless; let us descend to the netherworld.” Hearing these anguished words, Kāvya, though troubled, comforted the Asuras: “Do not fear, Asuras. I will sustain you with my own power. The rain, the plants, the waters, and the wealth—all these are in me. The gods receive their share only through my feet. For your sake, I will grant all this; I shall uphold everything.” Seeing the Asuras thus supported by the wise Kāvya, the gods grew anxious and eager for victory. They conferred among themselves: “This Kāvya is forcibly turning everything away from us. Come, let us go quickly; when their food is exhausted, we will revive them. Having slain the remaining ones by force, let us send them to the underworld.” Greatly enraged, the gods attacked the Dānavas. As the Dānavas were struck down, they fled to Kāvya for protection. Witnessing them pursued, wounded, and distressed in battle, Kāvya rescued those sons of Diti from the gods’ wrath. Seeing the gods standing before him, Kāvya reflected deeply. Remembering past events, he addressed them after meditating: “The entire three worlds were conquered by Vāmana in three strides. Bali was bound, Jambha was slain, and Virocana was killed. In twelve great battles, the foremost among the Asuras were slain by the gods—often through cunning strategies. You who remain are but a few, survivors of those conflicts. I will devise a strategy for you; wait for some time.” He continued: “I will go to Mahādeva to obtain mantras, so that you may be victorious. Agni, the Hotṛ, will be invigorated by mantras from Bṛhaspati. Then I will go to the god Nīlalohita for further mantras. After I return, I will again show you my favor. Until then, all of you should practice austerities, withdrawn in the forest, clad in bark garments. The gods will not attack you until I return. When I have obtained unfailing mantras from the great lord Maheshvara, we shall again battle the gods—and then, surely, you will attain victory.” The Asuras agreed to this plan and addressed the gods: “We have laid down our arguments; you may proceed to rule the worlds. We shall undertake austerities, withdrawn in the forest, clad in bark garments, heeding Prahlada’s truthful words.” Thus, the gods withdrew, free from distress and filled with joy. With the Daityas having laid down their weapons, the gods returned to their own abodes as before. Kāvya then 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 now dwelling in my father’s hermitage.” Having thus instructed the Asuras, Kāvya approached Mahadeva. Bowing reverently, he addressed the lord, 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 seek 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, humbly touched the deity’s feet and replied, “So be it. I shall undertake the vow as prescribed.” Appointed by the god, he became the keeper of the altar and the maker of smoke. For the welfare of the Asuras, when Shukra had departed, Maheshvara himself dwelt there in celibacy, for the purpose of the mantra. Knowing this, not long after, the Asuras relinquished the kingdom. In that interval, the gods, angered and armed with sharp weapons, led by Brihaspati, attacked them. Seeing the gods approach, all the hosts of the Asuras, though armed, suddenly fled in fear. With their weapons laid down, victory granted, and their teacher engaged in his vow, the gods—abandoning the previous agreement—sought to destroy their rivals. The Asuras, without a teacher, trusting in their austerities and clad in bark and skins, were now inactive and without possessions. They lamented: “We will never be able to defeat the gods in battle; being impure, we seek refuge in Kāvya, our mother. Let us inform our teacher of these events until his return; when he comes back, we shall again engage the gods in battle, perhaps in the contest of poetry.” Having spoken thus, they sought refuge with Kāvyamātā, as was proper. In their fear, they received safety at that time. To those demons who sought freedom from fear, assurance was given: “Do not be afraid, do not be afraid,” and the Dānavas abandoned their fear. Kāvyamātā comforted them: “While you remain in my presence, fear should not arise for you.” And so, both gods and demons, seeing those who were afflicted by fear, witnessed the protection and assurance granted in that moment.