In the midst of the fierce battle, a warrior stood firm, undaunted even when struck, resembling the steadfast mountain Maināka. Yet, his fate was sealed—Ekacūḍā, wielding supreme weapons, slew him and tore him apart. Despite the chaos, the two mighty combatants remained unwavering, shaking the ranks of their foes without faltering. Having conquered his adversary, the victor pressed forward, armed and determined, to challenge Kumāra himself. In a surge of anger, he raised his discus and blocked the son of Danu, and so, O Brahman, the two warriors engaged in a dazzling duel—swift, skilled, and marvelous to behold. Sukakrākṣa hurled his own discus at the Asura, and at that moment, the Daityas cried out in anguish, “Alas! The buffalo-demon is slain!” Raktākṣa, with a hundred clenched fists, struck down the discus. Though powerful, he was rendered motionless by a single effortless arrow. Witnessing this, the mighty Makarākṣa, mace in hand, fled the scene. He too joined the fray, but shame filled his heart, despite his noble spirit. Even Bāṇa, struck by the Makara-eyed one, turned and fled in defeat. Another demon, sword raised, ran from the lords of the Gaṇas. The remaining demons, terrified and vanquished in battle, sought refuge with Skanda. Upon seeing one, Skanda pierced his heart with his spear; the demon’s vital parts shattered, and he fell lifeless to the ground. The wicked one abandoned the battlefield and retreated to the mountain called Dimācala. Out of fear, he entered a dreadful cave, a stronghold, as the Gaṇas continued to slay the guilty in battle. Mounting his peacock, adorned with a crest of feathers, Skanda set out to slay Mahiṣāsura. Leaving Kailāsa, Skanda approached Himācala, then Krauñca, and entered the cave. He paused, reflecting, “How shall I become a slayer of my own kin?” As he pondered, those around him urged, “Strike Mahiṣa and the mountain with your spear; fulfill the gods’ purpose.” Skanda hesitated, troubled by the thought: “How can one slay a mother’s grandson, a nephew, a brother, or a brother’s son?” Yet, he was reminded that by following the will of the supreme mother, even the most sinful might attain heaven. Still, he considered, “Those who have committed offenses must not be slain, especially revered teachers and elders.” Resolute, Skanda declared, “When the demon emerges from the cave, then I will slay the enemy with my spear.” He rebuked those who questioned him, saying, “You are not wiser than I; why do you speak so? Listen to the words once spoken by Hari.” He recalled, “Namuci, my own younger brother, was slain before.” Encouraged, he was told, “Strike him down with the spear given by Pāvaka, and show your valor.” The youth, trembling, spoke these words to Śatakratu. “Because you reproach me, it is certain that you are not wise,” he replied. Then the house called out, “Come, come! If you are strong, fight!” A challenge was issued: whoever could circumambulate the Krauncha mountain more swiftly would prove their strength. One went on foot and completed the circumambulation even more quickly. Having done so, Guha stood and taunted, “Fool, why are you standing still?” This feat had not been accomplished before, so the boy addressed Śakra. Having completed the challenge, they spoke to Maheśa, to Brahmā, and to Mādhava. The mountain was asked, “By whom was this circumambulation done before?” The question was repeated, and the mountain replied, “After you had done it, Guha did it later, O Gotrabhit.