Dhūtapāpā, with a heart purified of all sin, offered to Skanda two mighty beings: Mahārāva and Karṇā, the latter radiant and red as coral. From the noble Viśālā and Sarasvatī came forth the hosts known as Yajñabāhu, joining the growing ranks. Soon, others followed: Karāla, Sitakeśa, Kṛṣṇakeśa, and Jaṭādhara, each unique in form and purpose, arrived to serve Skanda. With them came Somāpyayana, Ugra, and Devayājina, their strength and devotion unwavering. The Kṛttikās, the nurturing mothers, gave their son Kūrmagrīva and five others into Skanda’s service. The sages, too, bestowed upon him five beings shaped like a lump, mysterious in their origin. The sacred place Pṛthūdaka contributed Cāṣavaktra and Jambūka, while Kanakhala sent his own host, Pañcaśikha, to join the divine army. From the serene lake Mānasa emerged Sarvauñjasa, Māhiṣaka, and Piṅgala, each a formidable presence. Somatīrtha presented Vasudāmā, and Prabhāsa gave Nandinī, adding to Skanda’s strength. The seven Sarasvatas, with their deep wisdom, sent four wondrous Mothers, radiant and protective. Nāgatīrtha gave Ekacūḍā, and Kurukṣetra offered Palāsadā. The purifier of feet, a holy presence, bestowed Cauṇḍī, Bhaiṇḍī, and Yogabhaiṇḍī. He also gave Śakaghaṇṭā and Śatānandā, along with Olūkhala and Mekhalā, each bearing their own power. Suṣamā, Ekacūḍā, and the goddess Dhamadhamā were granted next, followed by Sunakṣatrā, Kadrulā, Suprabhātā, and Muṅgalā. The host continued to swell: Koṭarāmūrdhvaṇī, Śrīmatī, and Bahuputrikā were given, as were Sūpalā, Madhukumbhā, Khyāti, and Parā Dahadahā. Saṃtānikā, Vikalikā, and one who dwells in four places arrived in turn. Śvetatīrtha contributed Raudrā, Karkaṭikā, and Tuṇḍā, each fierce and ready for battle. To Skanda was also given the peacock, his own son Mahājava, and Aruṇa and Tāmracūḍa as sons, their forms splendid and swift. Hari, the wielder of the trident, presented a garland, while Maghavan, adorned with a shining necklace, gave a banner to grace Skanda’s neck. Thus adorned and supported, Skanda was appointed commander of the celestial army by Bhava himself, shining resplendent like the blazing sun, his form vast and glorious. With deep devotion, Skanda bowed to Bhava, Girijā, Pāvaka, and Śuci, offering them his reverence. He saluted Brahmā as well, then spoke with humility and resolve: “By your grace, I shall conquer the enemies, Mahiṣa and Tāraka. Grant me your permission, together with Brahmā, so that I may act. The gods look to me with hope, their faces weary with longing.” Taking the auspicious token in his right hand, he approached Skanda, urging him to revere the divine feet of Viṣṇu, honored by all worlds. “She, to whom even people like me offer salutation, and he, the great-souled one with Garuḍa on his banner—there is truly no one higher than him. We and all other embodied beings are not above him.” Standing with hands joined in reverence, Skanda sought permission from Acyuta, the infallible. Having performed auspicious rites, the god granted his consent. He then spoke to the sage among the twice-born, requesting, “Please explain these things to Śikhidhvaja for me. For the victory of Skanda and the slaying of the buffalo demon, may Viṣṇu, the unborn, whose hand bears the discus, bestow well-being. May Pāvaka grant you well-being, O rider of the peacock. May Kāvyā and Saturn always grant you well-being; may Saturn bestow auspiciousness upon you.” Thus, Skanda was blessed and prepared, surrounded by hosts of divine beings and the prayers of gods and sages, ready to fulfill his great destiny.