After Vishnu created Brahma from the lotus upon his navel, he created two drops of water upon the water, which were imbued with the attributes of tamas (darkness) and rajas (activity). Madhu and Kaitabha were born from these drops, whereupon they started to worship Mahadevi, acquiring the boon of dying only when they desired.
Vishnu created Brahma by forming a lotus on his belly, then formed two water beads on the surface of the water, which were endowed with the characteristics of darkness (tamas) and energy (rajas). Madhu and Kaitabha arose from these droplets, after which they began to venerate Mahadevi, gaining the privilege of dying whenever they desired.