The city stood resplendent, adorned with countless divine hermitages that graced its every corner, each one exquisitely beautiful. Its form was perfectly circular, shining like the full disc of the moon, and its design made it nearly impossible for enemies to enter, while remaining welcoming and pleasant for all others. Twelve magnificent gates encircled the city, each vigilantly guarded by steadfast gatekeepers. Within, hundreds of thousands of grand mansions rose, their walls and rooftops studded with the finest gems. The doors gleamed with jewels, and vessels topped with precious stones decorated the halls. All around, the city was perpetually protected by innumerable Dānavas—handsome and splendidly dressed, adorned with a dazzling array of ornaments. At the main gate stood a man holding a spear, his face bright with a smile. This gatekeeper, after recounting the recent events, departed with permission. No one hindered the messenger, who had assumed the appropriate form for his task, and he proceeded unimpeded to deliver his message to the Lord concerning the events of the battle. Upon entering, the messenger beheld Shankhachuda, radiant in his charm. The king sat adorned with a magnificent staff set with jewels and crowned with precious stones. A beautiful golden parasol, held by a servant, shaded him. He was dressed in splendid attire, his presence delightful and attractive, and his body adorned with gleaming jeweled ornaments. Around him gathered the lords of the Daityas, thirty million strong, all resplendent in their finery. Witnessing this majestic scene, Pushpadanta, the messenger, was filled with amazement. He then addressed Shankhachuda, saying, “I will speak the words spoken by Shankara himself; listen well. At this very moment, yield the kingdom and authority to the gods. Hari, having given you the trident, has now sent Shiva to you. Return their domain to them, or else, be prepared to engage in battle.” Hearing these words, Shankhachuda laughed. Without delay, he went to speak with the Lord, who sat beneath the roots of a great banyan tree. At that moment, Skanda arrived before Shiva. With him came Vishalaksha, Bana, Pingalaksha, and Vikampana, as well as Kapilaksha, Dirghadamshtra, Vikata, and Tamralochana. Balonmatta, proud of his strength, Rana-shlaghi, Durjaya, and Durgama were also present. The Vasus, beginning with Vāsava, and the twelve radiant Ādityas were remembered there. Kubera, Yama, Jayanta, and Nalakūbara were among the assembly, as were Dharma, Śani, Īśāna, and the mighty Kāmadeva. Then, a divine goddess appeared, clad in red garments, adorned with red garlands and fragrant unguents. To her devotees, she granted fearlessness; to her enemies, she brought fear. She held a skull, vast and round, measuring a yojana in depth. In her many hands she bore a conch, discus, mace, lotus, arrows, and a terrifying bow, as well as the Vaiṣṇava weapon, the Vāruṇa weapon, the Āgneya, the serpent noose, the Pārjanya, the Pāśupata, the Jṛmbhaṇa, and the Pārvata weapons—indeed, a hundred supreme missiles and countless divine weapons. She arrived with thirty million Yoginīs, accompanied by spirits, ghosts, piśācas, kūṣmāṇḍas, and brahmarākṣasas. In their midst, Skanda bowed reverently to Candraśekhara, honoring the Lord in the presence of this mighty and awe-inspiring assembly.