03.216
Markandeya said.
The planets along with their satellites, the seers, the mothers, as well as the shining groups of assembly-attendants headed by Agni, (were present). (03-216-1)
These, and many other fearsome dwellers of heaven, stood encircling Mahāsena together with the groups of Mothers. (03-216-2)
Seeing the victory in doubt and eager for triumph, the Lord of the gods mounted Airavata’s shoulder and departed with the deities. Desiring to defeat Mahasena, Indra proceeded with even greater speed. (03-216-3)
That fierce and swift divine army, resplendent and of great splendor, adorned with many kinds of banners, equipped with diverse vehicles and bows, clad in excellent garments and decorated with splendor, stood arrayed. (03-216-4)
When the prince, desiring to vanquish, approached Indra as he came near, Indra of great might advanced swiftly along the road, roaring, delighting the army of gods, intent on defeating the son of Pāvaka. (03-216-5)
Vāsava (Indra), who was being honored by the gods and also by the great sages, approached near to Kārtikeya. (03-216-6)
Then the lord of the gods, together with the gods, uttered a lion's roar. Hearing that sound, Guha also roared like the ocean. (03-216-7)
Stirred up by his great sound, resembling the ocean, the unconscious army of the gods wandered here and there. (03-216-8)
Seeing the gods, who had approached with the intention to kill, the fiery son of Pāvaka angrily emitted raging flames from his mouth. Those flames, spreading, burned the armies of the gods upon the earth. (03-216-9)
They, with blazing heads and bodies, bearing blazing weapons, fallen suddenly, shine variegated like groups of stars. (03-216-10)
Being burned, the gods, abandoning the wielder of the thunderbolt, sought refuge in the son of Pāvaka (Agni); then they attained peace. (03-216-11)
Then, when he was abandoned by the gods, Śakra (Indra) hurled the thunderbolt at Skanda. That weapon, being discharged, quickly struck Skanda's right side. And, O great king, it pierced the side of that great-souled one. (03-216-12)
From the blow of the vajra upon Skanda, another man was born: a youth clad in golden armor, holding a spear, adorned with divine earrings. Because he was born from the vajra's impact, he was therefore called Viśākha. (03-216-13)
Then, seeing another born with brilliance like the fire at the end of time, Indra, out of fear, went with joined palms to Skanda for refuge. (03-216-14)
Skanda granted fearlessness to him, O best of those with a mighty army. Then, the delighted gods played their musical instruments. (03-216-15)
