Having come to an understanding, the Asuras addressed the gods, saying, “We have presented our arguments; now, you may go forth and rule the worlds as you wish.” Resolute in their decision, the Asuras declared, “We will withdraw to the forest and devote ourselves to austerities, wearing garments of bark, inspired by the truthful words of Prahlada.” Relieved and joyful, the gods departed, their anxieties eased. With the Daityas having laid down their weapons, the gods returned to their abodes as before. At this time, Kavya spoke to the Asuras: “Let us dedicate some time to worship, undertaking austerity without desire, fulfilling the purpose of our task. All the gods, along with Indra, are dwelling in my father’s hermitage.” Having thus instructed the Asuras, Kavya approached Mahadeva. Bowing reverently before the Lord, the origin of the universe, he addressed him with pleasing words: “O God, I desire mantras that even Brihaspati does not possess, so that the Asuras might gain fearlessness and triumph over the gods.” Mahadeva replied, “You seek mantras, O twice-born one. Undertake the vow I prescribe, with devoted celibacy. If you worship for a thousand years, your head lowered into the smoke of the altar, then, O blessed one, you shall receive the mantra from me.” Accepting these words, Shukra, steadfast in his resolve, touched the deity’s feet and replied, “So be it. I will undertake the vow as you command.” Appointed by the god, Shukra became the keeper of the altar, tending the sacred smoke for the welfare of the Asuras. After Shukra departed for his austerities, Maheshvara himself remained there in celibacy, for the sake of the mantra. Soon, the Asuras relinquished their kingdom, focusing on their austerities. But during this time, the gods, led by Brihaspati and armed with sharp weapons, attacked the Asuras in anger. Caught unprepared, the Asura hosts fled in fear, their weapons laid aside, their teacher engaged in his vow. The gods, abandoning their agreement, sought to destroy their rivals. The Asuras, now without their teacher, reflected: “We cannot defeat the gods in battle, for we are impure and defenseless. Let us seek refuge with Kavya, our mother, until our teacher returns. When he does, we will challenge the gods again, even in the contest of poetry.” Thus resolved, they approached Kāvyamātā for protection. She received them and reassured the terrified Dānavas, saying, “Do not be afraid. While you are with me, no fear shall touch you.” Yet, the gods pressed their attack, weighing the strength and weakness of their foes. Seeing the Asuras terrified and being slain, the goddess was seized by wrath. She declared, “I shall make you powerless, Indra!” and, filled with fury, confronted him. Indra was rendered immobile, like a sacrificial post, and the gods, seeing their leader subdued, fled in fear. When the gods had scattered, Viṣṇu approached Indra and said, “Enter into me, O blessed one; I shall protect you, Lord of the gods.” Indra, thus addressed, entered Viṣṇu. Witnessing this, the enraged goddess proclaimed, “Together with Viṣṇu, I shall burn you, O Maghavan, before all beings. Let my power of austerity be seen!” Overpowered, Indra and Viṣṇu conferred together. Viṣṇu asked, “How shall we escape together?” Indra urged, “Slay her before she burns us, O mighty one; I am overwhelmed—do not delay!” Resolving upon this grave act, Viṣṇu summoned his discus. As the goddess rushed toward them, Viṣṇu, perceiving her cruel intent, invoked his weapon and, in anger, severed her head. Witnessing this dreadful act—the slaying of a woman—Bhṛgu, the sage, was filled with fury. He cursed Viṣṇu, saying, “Because, knowing the law, you killed a woman who should not be slain, you shall be born among humans seven times.” Thus, by Bhṛgu’s curse, Viṣṇu would descend to earth whenever righteousness declined, for the welfare of all. After uttering the curse, Bhṛgu took the severed head, brought it to the body, sprinkled water, and spoke solemnly: “Now I shall restore you, who were slain by Viṣṇu, to life—if all the righteousness I have practiced is true, or even if not; by that truth, live, if indeed I speak the truth.” At these words, the goddess was revived. Bhṛgu sprinkled her with cool water, saying, “Live.” She awoke as if from sleep, and all beings rejoiced. Voices of the unseen resounded through the directions, praising, “Excellent! Excellent!” Thus, before the eyes of all, Bhṛgu revived the goddess, and it was a marvel among beings. Bhṛgu, undisturbed, brought his wife back to life. But Śakra (Indra), witnessing this, found no peace, fearful of the Kāvyas’ power. Remaining ever-watchful, Indra, the wise wielder of the thunderbolt, spoke to his own daughter, Jayantī, sharing his concerns with her.