He made his way to the place where Pinākadhṛk, Lord Shiva, was staying with his consort, Parvati. Upon his arrival, Shiva responded to him, with Parvati, the daughter of the mountain, listening closely. Shiva declared, “I cannot give her up without the command of the enemy of trees. Let her go as she wishes; I am not able to restrain her.” Then, he instructed, “Go and tell Andhaka, O hero, my wise words: Whoever wins at the game of dice, having spread it out, shall obtain her.” The messenger gathered the assembly and spoke the words uttered by Śarva and Gaurī. Summoning Duryodhana, he relayed these instructions to him: “Strike her confidently, as one would a woman of bad conduct.” Duryodhana struck her forcefully, with all his might and vigor. The woman cried out loudly and fiercely, like a distressed cow. At her cries, others quickly entered the assembly, demanding, “What is this?” Those foremost among the strong, armed and eager for battle, prepared themselves. Andhaka, mounting his chariot, bowed slightly five times. Alongside him were Jambha, Kujambha, Huṇḍa, Tuhuṇḍa, Śambara, and Bali; also Ayaḥśuṅku, Śibi, Śālva, Vṛṣaparvā, and Virocana; as well as Śarabha, Śalabha, and the mighty Vipracitti. Eager for battle, they advanced, bearing diverse weapons. Bound by the noose of Time and dulled in mind, Andhaka approached the great mountain Mandara. There, I addressed those who stood by your command, O Śailāda. After purification by touching water, the illustrious one remembered the leaders of the gaṇas. Swiftly they rose and bowed to the Lord of the gods, reporting everything to the great-souled Śaṅkara. These are known as the Rudras—eleven crores in number—among them, renowned and glorious doorkeepers. There are also sixty crores of boys named Skanda, called Viśākhas and Naigameyas, O Śaṅkara; for each one, O Lord of gods, there are as many mothers. These are called Śaivas, your devoted leaders of the gaṇas. All these countless gaṇas assembled to aid you. Your devotees had arrived, born from your tangled locks, excellent and great-vowed, ready to fight. The gaṇas called Nirāśrayā had assembled, O Teacher of the world, and the imperishable followers of the Bull-bannered One arrived, mounted on birds. Bhairava, together with Viṣṇu, was worshipped as non-different by these devotees. The Gaṇas, led by Vīrabhadra, arose from your very hair and came to assist you. They awaited your instruction, ready to act according to your pleasure. The Blessed Lord comforted them with his hand and seated them. Those chiefs, having embraced, bowed to the great Lord Maheśvara. Witnessing this most wondrous event, all the lords of the Gaṇas gazed long in amazement and became greatly bewildered.