to them.  And although that adorable god (Rudra) was in that plight, yet he did not think it worth while to kill Mahisha in battle; he remembered that Skanda would deal the deathblow to that evil-minded Asura.  And the fiery Mahisha, contemplating with satisfaction the prize (the chariot of Rudra) which he had secured, sounded his war-cry, to the great alarm of the gods and the joy of the Daityas.  And when the gods were in that fearful predicament, the mighty Mahasena, burning with anger, and looking grand like the Sun advanced to their rescue.  And that lordly being was clad in blazing red and decked with a wreath of red flowers.  And cased in armour of gold he rode in a gold-coloured chariot bright as the Sun and drawn by chestnut horses.  And at his sight the army of the daityas was suddenly dispirited on the field of battle.  And, O great king, the mighty Mahasena discharged a bright Sakti for the destruction of Mahisha.  That missile cut off the head of Mahisha, and he fell upon the ground and died.  And his head massive as a hillock, falling on the ground, barred the entrance to the country of the Northern Kurus, extending in length for sixteen Yojanas though at present the people of that country pass easily by that gate.

“It was observed both by the gods and the Danavas that Skanda hurled his sakti again and again on the field of battle, and that it returned to his hands, after killing thousands of the enemy’s forces.  And the terrible Danavas fell in large numbers by the arrows of the wise Mahasena.  And then a panic seized them, and the followers of Skanda began to slay and eat them up by thousands and drink their blood.  And they joyously exterminated the Danavas in no time, just as the sun destroys darkness, or as fire destroys a forest, or as the winds drive away the clouds.  And in this manner the famous Skanda defeated all his enemies.  And the gods came to congratulate him, and he, in turn, paid his respects to Maheswara.  And that son of Krittika looked grand like the sun in all the glory of his effulgence.  And when the enemy was completely defeated by Skanda and when Maheswara left the battle-field, Purandara embraced Mahasena and said to him, ’This Mahisha, who was made invincible by the favour of Brahma hath been killed by thee.  O best of warriors, the gods were like grass to him.  O strong-limbed hero, thou hast removed a thorn of the celestials.  Thou hast killed in battle hundreds of Danavas equal in valour to Mahisha who were all hostile to us, and who used to harass us before.  And thy followers too have devoured them by hundreds.  Thou art, O mighty being, invincible in battle like Uma’s lord; and this victory shall be celebrated as thy first achievement, and thy fame shall be undying in the three worlds.  And, O strong-armed god, all the gods will yield their allegiance to thee.’  Having spoken thus to Mahasena, the husband of Sachi left the place accompanied by the gods and with the permission of the adorable three-eyed god (Siva).