Again and again, with deepest reverence, salutations were offered to the Goddess who dwells within all beings as contentment. To her, the very embodiment of satisfaction in every heart, the assembled ones bowed repeatedly, honoring her divine presence. They then offered salutations to the Goddess abiding in all as nourishment—the sustaining force within every creature, the provider of strength and life. To her, who feeds and nurtures the universe, they bowed again and again. Next, their salutations were directed to the Goddess who exists in all as the mother, the universal source of compassion, care, and creation. To her, who manifests as the mother in every being, they offered their worship, repeating their salutations with devotion. They did not neglect the Goddess who is present in all beings as delusion, too—the mysterious power that veils the truth and binds the soul. To her, who brings about the play of illusion, they bowed again and again, recognizing her as the source of both bondage and liberation. Salutations poured forth to the Goddess who presides over the senses, pervading all living creatures as the power that enables perception, the one who is ever-present in all forms of life. To her, who is the indwelling force of all, they offered their repeated reverence. They honored her who, as consciousness itself, pervades the entire universe, dwelling within all as the very awareness that illuminates existence. To this all-pervading Devi, their salutations were unending. May that sovereign Goddess, praised in ages past by the gods when they sought refuge, and once served even by the lord of the demons, grant auspiciousness, well-being, and drive away all misfortune, they prayed. Now, afflicted by the arrogance of the present-day demons and worshipped by the gods as their sovereign, the Goddess was invoked. She who, when remembered, instantly destroys all calamities and manifests in forms shaped by devotion, was the hope of the distressed. As the gods engaged in such heartfelt praise, Parvati, the gentle and radiant one, approached them at the waters of the sacred Jahnavi, moved by their plight and intent on their protection. With graceful brows, Parvati asked the gods, “Who is it that you are praising here?” From her own bodily sheath, the Goddess born of Shiva replied. She explained, “This hymn is being composed by the gods, gathered in battle after Shumbha was driven away and Nishumbha was defeated.” From the very sheath of Parvati’s body emerged Ambika, and thus, throughout all the worlds, she became known as Kaushiki. When Kaushiki departed from Parvati, the form of Parvati became dark. She came to be called Kali, the dark one, who took up her abode upon the Himalayas. At this time, Chanda and Munda, attendants of Shumbha and Nishumbha, caught sight of Ambika, who was manifesting a supremely beautiful form. They hastened to report to Shumbha, “O great king, a wondrous woman is residing on the Himalaya, radiant and exceedingly beautiful.” “Never before has such a supreme form been seen by anyone. Let it be known who this Goddess is, and let her be seized, O lord of the asuras,” they urged. “She is a jewel among women, shining brilliantly in all directions. She stands there, O lord of the Daityas; you must behold her.” They reminded Shumbha, “All the jewels, gems, elephants, horses, and treasures of the three worlds now shine within your house.” “Airavata, the jewel among elephants, has been brought from Purandara; likewise, the Pārijāta tree and the high-stepping horse Uccaiḥśravas are yours.” “Even this celestial chariot, yoked with swans, stands in your courtyard—a wondrous creation of Brahmā, now a jewel in your possession.” “The great treasure Mahāpadma, once with the lord of wealth, is now yours; the ocean has given you a garland of unfading lotus flowers.” “Varuṇa’s golden umbrella, streaming with radiance, is in your house, as is the foremost chariot that belonged to Prajāpati.” “You possess Utkrāntidā, the power that brings about death, as well as the noose of the Lord of Waters, your brother.” “All the jewels born from the ocean and belonging to Niśumbha have been given to you; even the fire god has offered you garments purified by fire.” “Thus, O lord of the Daityas, all treasures have been brought to you. Why, then, do you not also take this jewel among women, this most auspicious lady?” Hearing these words, Shumbha, the mighty asura, sent his messenger Sugrīva, through Chanda and Munda, to approach the Goddess. He instructed, “Go and say these words to her on my behalf. As she responds, act accordingly and swiftly.” Sugrīva journeyed to the splendid mountain region where the Goddess was present and addressed her with gentle, sweet words. “O Goddess, Shumbha, lord of the demons, is supreme ruler of the three worlds. I am his messenger, sent to you.” “He whose commands are never obstructed among the divine beings, who has conquered all the enemies of the asuras—listen to his words.” “‘The three worlds are mine; the gods are subject to my will. I alone partake of all the shares of sacrifice, each one separately.’” “‘The best jewels in the three worlds are all under my control; likewise, the elephant-jewel, the vehicle of the king of the gods, was seized by me.’” “‘The horse-jewel Uccaiḥśravas, which arose from the churning of the milk ocean, was offered to me by the immortals.’” “‘And whatever other precious beings exist among the gods, gandharvas, and serpents—all are with me alone.’” “O Devi, you are regarded as the jewel among women in this world. Therefore, come to us, for we are the possessors of all jewels.” “O you of restless glance, since you are indeed a jewel, choose either me or my younger brother, Niśumbha, of great strength.” “By accepting me, you will obtain incomparable and supreme sovereignty. Consider this carefully and accept my proposal.” Thus addressed, the blessed Devi Durga, who sustains the world, smiled deeply and replied. “What you have said is true; your words contain no falsehood. Shumbha is lord of the three worlds, and so is Niśumbha.” “But how can what has been promised here be made false?