The Devi stood firm, radiant and unshaken, as the asura messenger delivered the demands of his masters. With a voice as clear as thunder, she declared, “Whoever defeats me in battle, whosoever dispels my pride, whoever stands as my equal in the world—he shall become my husband. Let Shumbha or Nishumbha, the great demon-lords, come here. If they wish to claim me, let them conquer me in battle; why delay? Let them quickly take my hand if they are able.” Hearing her fearless words, the messenger bristled with arrogance. “O Devi, you are proud. Tell me, who in all the three worlds could possibly stand against Shumbha and Nishumbha? Even all the gods and other demons do not dare stand before them in battle. How then will you, a woman alone, face them? All the gods, including mighty Indra, have retreated from battle with Shumbha and his kind. How, as a lone woman, will you go forth against them? It is better you go, as I have told you, to the side of Shumbha and Nishumbha. Do not wait to be dragged away, your dignity shaken.” The Devi replied with calm resolve, “It is true—Shumbha is powerful, and Nishumbha is exceedingly mighty. What can I do? I made a vow before, without considering this. Still, go and respectfully convey all this to the lord of the asuras. Let him act as he sees fit.” The messenger, burning with indignation at the Devi’s answer, returned to Shumbha and reported every word. Upon hearing this, Shumbha’s anger blazed. He turned to Dhūmralocana, the fierce chief of the demons. “Dhūmralocana, gather your army and go at once. Bring that wicked woman here by force—drag her by the hair if she resists. If anyone, be he immortal, yaksha, or gandharva, should rise to protect her, slay him without hesitation.” Thus commanded, Dhūmralocana swiftly marched out, leading thousands of asuras. Upon arrival, he confronted the Devi. “If you do not come willingly to my master out of affection, I will seize you by force, your hair in my grasp, causing you distress.” The Devi replied serenely, “You have come, sent by the lord of the daityas, powerful and with your army. If you take me by force, what can I do to you?” Stung by her words, Dhūmralocana rushed at her. But Ambika, with a mere roar, reduced him instantly to ashes. The asura army, enraged, surged forward, but Ambika showered them with sharp arrows, spears, and axes. Then her lion mount, mane bristling with fury, unleashed a terrifying roar and leapt into the midst of the asuras. The lion struck some demons with his mighty paws, others he seized with his mouth, and with his lower jaw he crushed many more. With his claws, he tore open bellies; with his paws, he severed heads. Some asuras fell, their arms and heads cut away; others, the lion shook and drank their blood. In a moment, the furious lion of the Devi annihilated the entire army. News of Dhūmralocana’s death and the destruction of his forces by the lion reached Shumbha. His lips quivered with rage. Furious, he summoned the great demons Chanda and Munda. “O Chanda, O Munda, take your armies and go. Seize her by the hair and bind her, or, if you doubt your strength, let all the asuras attack her with every weapon. When she is slain, and the lion destroyed, return at once, having captured Ambika.” Thus commanded, Chanda and Munda led the daitya forces, equipped with all arms, and advanced upon the Devi. There, upon a golden peak of the king of mountains, above her lion, they saw the Goddess standing with a gentle, knowing smile. The asuras prepared to seize her, drawing their bows and brandishing swords, while others stood close by. At that moment, Ambika’s anger flared. Her face darkened, black as ink with wrath. From the furrow of her knitted brows, Kali herself sprang forth—terrifying, sword and noose in hand. Kali was dreadful to behold: she bore a skull-topped staff, wore a garland of human heads, was clad in a tiger skin, and her flesh was emaciated. Her mouth yawned wide, her lolling tongue was fearsome, her eyes sunken and blood-red, and her roar shook the four directions. With a terrible cry, Kali rushed upon the asura army, striking down the demons and devouring their forces. She seized elephants—complete with riders, hooks, and bells—in a single hand and hurled them into her gaping mouth. Warriors with their horses, chariots, and charioteers she snatched up and chewed with her dreadful teeth. She grabbed one by the hair, another by the neck, pinned one down with her foot, and struck another with her chest. The missiles and weapons hurled by the asuras she caught in her mouth, crushing them with her teeth. Thus, Kali crushed the strength of the evil-minded asuras—devouring some and striking down others—leaving their army in utter ruin.