Skanda, the mighty son of Śiva, was surrounded by a host of illustrious attendants and allies, each gifted to him by the gods, rivers, sages, and sacred places. The Yakṣas presented Tālapātra, Nāḍijaṅgha, and six other loyal attendants to serve him. Mitra himself gave Suvrata and Satyasandha, while others brought Ekākṣa, Kunaṭī, Cakṣu, Kirīṭin, and Kalaśodara. In all, fifteen Gaṇas were thus bestowed upon Guha by the Yakṣas, forming a formidable retinue. From the sacred river Mandākinī came Nanda; from the Vipāśā, Priyaṅkara. The river Sauśikī offered Mārjāra, and Gautamī gave Krathakrauñca. Bhīmarathī contributed Bhīma, and Sarayū brought forth Vegāri. Another great river sent Citradeva, while Citrā presented Citraratha. Dhūtapāpā gave Jambūka, Veṇā offered Śvetānana, and for the sake of power, Kāñcanā bestowed Kanakekṣaṇa. Dhūtapāpā also gave Mahārāva and the coral-like Karṇā. The rivers Viśālā and Sarasvatī together gave the Yajñabāhu hosts, while Karāla, Sitakeśa, Kṛṣṇakeśa, and Jaṭādhara joined the assembly. Somāpyayana, Ugra, and Devayājina were also granted. The Kṛttikās, Skanda’s own mothers, gave their son Kūrmagrīva and five others. The sages themselves contributed five attendants, each of them formed like a lump, to serve Skanda. The holy place Pṛthūdaka gave Cāṣavaktra and Jambūka. Kanakhala sent his own host, Pañcaśikha. From Mānasa came Sarvauñjasa, Māhiṣaka, and Piṅgala. Somatīrtha bestowed Vasudāmā, and Prabhāsa gave Nandinī. The seven Sarasvatas presented four wondrous Mothers. Nāgatīrtha offered Ekacūḍā, and Kurukṣetra gave Palāsadā. The purifier of feet granted Cauṇḍī, Bhaiṇḍī, and Yogabhaiṇḍī. Śakaghaṇṭā, Śatānandā, Olūkhala, and Mekhalā were also given. Suṣamā, Ekacūḍā, and the goddess Dhamadhamā joined the company. Sunakṣatrā, Kadrulā, Suprabhātā, and Muṅgalā were added, as were Koṭarāmūrdhvaṇī, Śrīmatī, and Bahuputrikā. Sūpalā, Madhukumbhā, Khyāti, and Parā Dahadahā, along with Saṃtānikā, Vikalikā, and the one residing in four places, came step by step. Śvetatīrtha gave Raudrā, Karkaṭikā, and Tuṇḍā. The peacock, Skanda’s own son, Mahājava, Aruṇa, and Tāmracūḍa were also given as sons. Hari, the wielder of the trident, gave a garland, and Maghavan, adorned with a necklace, presented a banner for the neck. Bhava then appointed Skanda as the commander of the divine army, and he shone like the sun, his form resplendent and awe-inspiring. With deep devotion, Skanda bowed to Bhava, Girijā, Pāvaka, and Śuci, and then paid his respects to Brahmā. With humility, he spoke: “By your grace, I shall conquer the enemies, Mahiṣa and Tāraka. Please grant me permission, together with Brahmā, to fulfill this task. The gods look to you with their hopes nearly spent.” Then, taking the sacred object in his right hand, Skanda approached with reverence. He was urged to honor the divine feet of Viṣṇu, revered by all the worlds. Thus, Skanda was blessed and empowered, prepared to lead the gods to victory.