In the depths of a hidden cave, a question was raised: “Why do you stay here in secrecy, dwelling in this concealed place?” The gods replied, “By him, this entire threefold world—everything that moves and does not move—has been pervaded. Our share of the sacrifice has been taken from us; it has been assigned to the demons. Let Śakra, by slaying the demons, regain his own rightful place once again.” But the Supreme Being responded, “O best of gods, to me there is no particular distinction between the two—gods and demons. Nevertheless, I shall restrain the demons and restore Śakra and the other gods to heaven.” Then, turning to the messenger, the command was given: “Go swiftly to the demon Kaliṅga and tell him, ‘Leave heaven at once.’” The gods spoke in reverence, “The revered Mother, the Mother of the Worlds, worshipped by all, is supreme.” And the message continued, “Return quickly to your own place; let Indra go to heaven.” Yet, filled with pride, Kaliṅga declared, “Thinking myself the lord of the worlds, I spoke these words. I do not know her, nor them; go and tell them this by my command. I will not grant you entry to heaven under any circumstance. Still, I will not take your life, messenger. But if you show me my revered Mother, then I will go there together with you, to the place where she resides.” Arbuda, the messenger, went swiftly, his heart burning with anger. As Bāṣkali, the demon’s champion, approached, the gods led by Indra saw him and, overcome by great fear, scattered in all directions. Arbuda declared, “My revered Mother resides at the mountain called Arbuda.” Then, turning to the goddess, Kaliṅga pleaded, “Become my wife, O beautiful-hipped one; I am always under your control. All my kingdom will indeed be under your sway. What use is Indra, who has little strength, or any other? O lovely-faced one, be mine.” He spoke all this to her, O king, just as you have heard. Upon hearing his words, the radiant goddess smiled and pondered, “How should I restrain him for the sake of the gods?” Just then, Kaliṅga arrived, overwhelmed by desire. With a single glance, the goddess beheld the lord of the Dānavas and laughed softly, O best of men. There were elephants, noble horses, and many kinds of infantry. By them, the entire army of the lord of the Daityas was struck down with weapons. When that powerful army was slain, Indra and the other gods said, “Without him alive, O goddess, there will be no kingdom for us in heaven.” The goddess herself then gave the great peak of the mountain and sat upon it. There, the Mother of the Universe, resplendent and wish-fulfilling, took her seat and dwells even now, directly granting desires to those who seek her. At that very time, all the gods, together with Indra, were present. The goddess, pleased with them, spoke kindly, “Go to your own places, all of you, free from sorrow.” She turned to Indra and said, “Choose a boon, O Indra; speak what is in your mind.” Indra replied, “If you are pleased with me, O goddess, ever devoted to your worshippers—may I rule the kingdom, O goddess of the gods, ever devoted to your worshippers. May I rule the world as it was created by Hari, by whom it stands unmoving. Here, we shall worship you, all of us assembled together.” Joyful, Indra returned to heaven by the power of that goddess. And the goddess herself remained there, wishing always for the welfare of the gods.