Kena Upanishad 3

1 The Brahman once won a victory for the Devas. Through that victory of the Brahman, the Devas became elated. They thought, “This victory is ours. This glory is ours.”

2 The Brahman perceived this and appeared before them. They did not know what mysterious form it was.

3 They said to Fire: “O Jataveda (All-knowing)! Find out what mysterious spirit this is.” He said: “Yes.”

4 He ran towards it and He (Brahman) said to him: “Who art thou?” “I am Agni, I am Jataveda,” he (the Fire-god) replied.

5 Brahman asked: “What power resides in thee?” Agni replied: “I can burn up all whatsoever exists on earth.”

6 Brahman placed a straw before him and said: “Burn this.” He (Agni) rushed towards it with all speed, but was not able to burn it. So he returned from there and said (to the Devas): “I was not able to find out what this great mystery is.”

7 Then they said to Vayu (the Air-god): “Vayu! Find out what this mystery is.” He said: “Yes.”

8 He ran towards it and He (Brahman) said to him: “Who art thou?” “I am Vayu, I am Matarisva (traveller of Heaven),” he (Vayu) said.

9 Then the Brahman said: “What power is in thee?” Vayu replied: “I can blow away all whatsoever exists on earth.”

10 Brahman placed a straw before him and said: “Blow this away.” He (Vayu) rushed towards it with all speed, but was not able to blow it away. So he returned from there and said (to the Devas): “I was not able to find out what this great mystery is.”

11 Then they said to Indra: “O Maghavan (Worshipful One)! Find out what this mystery is.” He said: “Yes”; and ran towards it, but it disappeared before him.

12 Then he saw in that very space a woman beautifully adorned, Uma of golden hue, daughter of Haimavat (Himalaya). He asked: “What is this great mystery?”