He first took control of all the Demon races and became their supreme commander. He then attacked the demi-Gods and dispossessed them of their realm and wealth. The demi-Gods went to Brahma for help. Brahma took them to Shiva. After some discussion, Brahma and Shiva approached Vishnu. All the three Supreme Gods together began to plot the end of Sankhachuda.
"Surely you can handle him," Vishnu said to Shiva.
"My trident is sufficient to kill him," replied Shiva, "but Brahma has given him some crazy boons."
"Oh! Those!" exclaimed Vishnu. He then chastised Brahma. "You are too quick to grant boons and then you come to me to clear up the mess." He asked Shiva to prepare for battle. And he assured Brahma and Shiva that he would take care of the boons.
Shiva set up his battle camp on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. He sent Pushpadanta as his envoy to Sankhachuda. When Pushpadanta entered Sankhachuda's capital he was struck with awe. This was the most opulent and grand city he had seen. Explaining his mission he was able to get an audience with the Demon King. He told Sankhachuda that Shiva was prepared for war. Either Sankhachuda return the areas and wealth that he had taken from the demi-Gods or he face Shiva's wrath. Sankhachuda did not think fit to send his reply through the envoy. "Tell Shiva that I will personally greet him tomorrow," he said.
That night all the demi-Gods approached Shiva and offered to join the battle under his leadership. Meanwhile Sankhachuda was spending the night with his wife, Tulasi. He knew that Shiva was invincible but he also knew that he was protected by Krishna's amulet and his wife's chastity. Still one never knew what destiny had in store for them. Tulasi and Sankhachuda spent this night as if it were their last.
Next morning Sankhachuda got up before dawn and performed his prayers and rituals. He then gave donations to the mendicants and brahmans as was his daily practice. After that he led his army to where Shiva was camping. Leaving his army behind he went to meet Shiva. Shiva asked Sankhachuda to be seated and the proffered advice.
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