The gods, filled with great anger, launched a fierce attack upon the Dānavas. Overwhelmed and struck down in battle, the Dānavas fled in desperation to Kāvya for refuge. Witnessing the sons of Diti, wounded and pursued by the gods, Kāvya intervened and rescued them from further harm. Seeing the gods assembled before him, Kāvya paused in deep reflection. Remembering the events of the past, he addressed the gods after a moment of meditation. He recalled how Vāmana had conquered the three worlds in just three strides, how Bali had been bound, Jambha slain, and Virocana killed. He spoke of twelve great battles in which the foremost among the Asuras had been destroyed, often through various strategies devised by the gods. Kāvya reminded them that only a few of the Asuras survived the latest conflicts, and he assured them, “I will devise a strategy for you; wait for some time.” He explained that he would seek out Mahādeva to obtain powerful mantras, so that the Asuras might achieve victory. Agni, the Hotṛ, would be invigorated by mantras from Bṛhaspati, and then Kāvya would again approach the god Nīlalohita for further blessings. Kāvya instructed the Asuras to withdraw into the forest, to practice austerities clad in bark garments, and assured them that the gods would not attack until his return. Once he had obtained the unfailing mantras from Maheshvara, they would engage the gods in battle once more, and this time, victory would surely be theirs. Accepting Kāvya’s counsel, the Asuras announced to the gods, “We have laid down our arguments; you may proceed to rule the worlds.” They resolved to undertake austerities in the forest, following the wise words of Prahlada. The gods, now free from distress and filled with joy, withdrew peacefully, returning to their own domains as before, while the Daityas laid down their weapons. Kāvya then instructed the Asuras to spend some time in worship, remaining intent on austerity and free from worldly desires, so that the purpose of their task would be fulfilled. He noted that all the gods, including Indra, were dwelling in his father’s hermitage. Having given these instructions, Kāvya set out to approach Mahadeva. With reverence, he bowed before the great lord, the origin of the universe, and addressed him with pleasing words, “O god, I desire mantras that even Bṛhaspati does not possess, for the defeat of the gods and to grant fearlessness to the Asuras.” Mahadeva responded, “You desire mantras, O twice-born one; undertake the vow I prescribe, remaining a devoted celibate. If you worship for a thousand years, with your head bowed to the smoke of the altar, then, O blessed one, you will obtain the mantra from me.” Accepting the command, Shukra, steadfast in austerity, touched the deity’s feet and replied, “So be it.” He undertook the vow as prescribed, becoming the keeper of the altar and the maker of sacred smoke. For the welfare of the Asuras, Maheshvara himself dwelt there in celibacy for the purpose of the mantra. Yet, as Shukra departed for his vow, the Asuras, now without their teacher, relinquished their kingdom. Seizing this opportunity, the gods, led by Bṛhaspati and armed with sharp weapons, attacked the Asuras in anger. The Asura hosts, suddenly confronted and fearful, fled, unable to resist without their teacher and with their weapons set aside. The gods, abandoning the previous agreement, sought to destroy their rivals while the Asuras, trusting in their teacher’s return and established in austerity, remained inactive and without possessions, clad in bark and skins. Acknowledging their vulnerability, the Asuras 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 this matter until his arrival; when he returns, we shall again engage the gods in contest.” Thus resolved, they sought refuge with Kāvyamātā, and, as was proper, received her protection in their time of fear. To the trembling Dānavas who sought safety, Kāvyamātā offered assurance: “Do not be afraid, do not be afraid.” Her words calmed their fears, and she declared, “While you remain in my presence, no fear shall come to you.” Yet, as the gods and demons assessed their strengths and weaknesses, the gods attacked the terrified Asuras, slaying many. Enraged by this assault on her wards, the goddess Kāvyamātā confronted Indra, declaring, “I shall make you powerless, Indra!” With wrath, she immobilized Indra as if he were bound to a sacrificial post. Seeing their leader subdued, the gods fled in fear. With the gods scattered, Viṣṇu approached Indra and said, “Enter into me, O blessed one; I shall protect you, Lord of the gods.” Indra entered into Viṣṇu for safety. Observing this, the goddess, her anger unabated, proclaimed, “Together with Viṣṇu, I shall burn you, O Maghavan, in the sight of all beings; let my power of austerity be witnessed.” Overpowered by her formidable energy, Indra and Viṣṇu conferred in secret. Viṣṇu asked, “How shall we escape together?” Indra urged, “Slay her before she burns us, O mighty one; I am especially overpowered, so do not delay.” Resolving to act, Viṣṇu, though reluctant to harm a woman, summoned his discus. As the goddess rushed toward them, intent on their destruction, Viṣṇu, angered, invoked his weapon and, perceiving her cruel intent, severed her head in a swift, decisive blow.