03.099
Lomaśa said.
Then, the wielder of the thunderbolt, protected by the powerful gods, approached Vṛtra, who stood covering both heaven and earth. (03-99-1)
It was protected on all sides by the large-bodied Kālakeyas, with their weapons raised—like mountains with their peaks. (03-99-2)
Then a great battle arose between the gods and the Dānavas, O best of Bharatas, for a moment, causing fear throughout the worlds. (03-99-3)
A very loud sound arose as swords, raised and struck by heroic arms, fell upon bodies. (03-99-4)
O king, the earth's surface was seen covered with severed heads falling from the sky, like palm fruits fallen from their stalks. (03-99-5)
The Kāleyas, clad in golden armor and armed with iron clubs, charged against the gods like mountains scorched by a forest fire. (03-99-6)
The gods could not endure the speed of those swift ones who rushed together; broken, they fled in fear. (03-99-7)
Seeing them fearfully fleeing, the thousand-eyed Puraṃdara (Indra), while Vṛtra was growing in power, was overcome by a great dejection. (03-99-8)
When Viṣṇu, the eternal one, saw Śakra overcome with dejection, he imparted his own splendor to Śakra, increasing his strength. (03-99-9)
Seeing Indra, who was nourished by Viṣṇu, the hosts of gods then imparted each their own power, and likewise the pure Brahma sages did the same. (03-99-10)
Śakra (Indra), having been strengthened by Viṣṇu along with the gods and by the highly fortunate sages, became powerful. (03-99-11)
Vṛtra, having realized that the lord of the gods was firmly seated in strength, roared with mighty cries; by that sound, the earth, the directions, the sky, heaven, and even the mountains—all trembled. (03-99-12)
Then Mahendra, greatly distressed, upon hearing that terrible and immense cry, being overcome with fear, quickly released the great thunderbolt to slay him, O king. (03-99-13)
Struck by Indra's thunderbolt, the great asura adorned with golden garlands fell, just as the great Mandara mountain, the noblest of mountains, falls when released from Viṣṇu's hand, in front. (03-99-14)
When that foremost of the daityas was slain, Śakra, overwhelmed by fear, fled to enter the lake. Through fear, he did not consider the vajra as released from his own hand, nor did he consider Vṛtra as truly slain. (03-99-15)
All the gods were rejoicing and delighted, and the great sages were praising Indra. All the gods, swiftly assembling, killed the Daityas who were distressed by the slaying of Vṛtra (03-99-16).
At that time, as they were being killed by the gods, they, stricken with fear, entered the very ocean. Entering the immeasurable ocean, which teemed with fish and was full of gems, (they fled into it). (03-99-17)
Then indeed, they assembled together and devised counsel for the destruction of the three worlds, astonished. There, some who were knowers with certain intellect described those very means. (03-99-18)
But there, owing to the succession and connection of time, a dreadful thought arose among those who reflect. Among those who possess knowledge and penance, their destruction must first be effected. (3-99-19)
Indeed, all worlds are upheld by austerity; therefore, hasten to destroy austerity. Those certain ascetics, knowers of dharma, and experts in that who dwell on the earth—let them be killed at once. When they are destroyed, the world itself is destroyed. (03-99-20)
Thus, indeed, all—whose consciousness had passed away—were exceedingly delighted at the destruction of the world, having taken refuge in the stronghold: the ocean, lashed by mighty waves, the dwelling of Varuṇa, indeed. (3-99-21)
