Sūta said: Devas were extremely afflicted and hurt by Dāruka. They sought refuge in Brahmā, Īśāna, Kumāra, Viṣṇu, Yama and Indra. Knowing that the Asura could be killed only by a woman, he was confronted in a battle by Indra[1] and others in fine guises of women. Still they were overwhelmed by him. O brahmins, they approached Brahmā and acquainted him with everything. Accompanied by Brahmā they approached the lord of Umā. With Brahmā at the forefront, they eulogised him. Approaching the lord of Devas and bowing to him in diverse ways Brahmā said:—“O lord, the demon Dāruka is a terrible fellow. We have been defeated by him at the outset. It behoves you to protect us by killing Dāruka who is destined to be killed by a lady.