As Vinayaka, the revered lord who removes obstacles, traveled swiftly along the path of the wind, his keen ears caught the sounds of preparation. Arriving at the scene, he beheld the towering Mandara mountain and saw his own father standing there. With devotion, Vinayaka addressed him, saying, “O Lord of the universe, why do you stand motionless? Arise, and let your heart be eager for battle.” Shiva, the great Lord, replied, “I am going forth to slay Andhaka; but one must remain here, ever watchful.” Looking upon Vinayaka with deep affection, Hara, the compassionate one, encouraged him: “Go, and conquer Andhaka.” Bowing low in reverence, Vinayaka touched his father’s feet with devotion and joy. Then Shiva instructed, “Jayā, Vijayā, Jayantī, and Aparājitā must be protected with utmost care, O daughter of the mountain,” addressing Pārvatī. Satisfied and filled with the desire for victory, the mighty wielder of the trident emerged from his abode, his resolve shining bright. As he stepped forth, his followers surrounded him, their voices rising in jubilant cries of triumph. Auspicious and gentle omens appeared, signaling Shambhu’s impending victory. Meanwhile, hosts of fierce beings—flesh-eaters and those yearning for offerings—thrilled at the prospect of battle and thirsted for the coming conflict, moving forward eagerly. Amid these portents, the green bird, silent and watchful, turned away and departed. Shiva, adorned with the crescent moon, smiled and spoke to the mountain and the assembled hosts, “Omens have arisen here, O lord of the hosts. What doubt remains, O Mahadeva, that you will conquer your enemies?” With resolve, Shiva ordered the great lords of the beasts to prepare for battle. Heroes wielding many weapons advanced with the force of uprooted trees, setting out to confront the Pramathas, their spiked clubs raised. At their head blazed the Sun and Fire, eager to witness the coming clash. The air filled with the sounds of singing, music, and resounding drums, all rejoicing in the anticipation of battle. The hosts, their anger kindled, surged forth to destroy the army of demons. Among them, Tuhuṇḍa, burning with fury, rushed forward at great speed, shining with the brilliance of Indra’s raised banner. The Rudras and all the gods up to Skanda felt a tremor of fear at his approach. Without hesitation, they charged at Tuhuṇḍa, the formidable leader of the Dānavas. He hurled his iron club with immense force at the enemy’s formation, but, O Brahmin, it shattered into a hundred pieces, as if a thunderbolt had struck Mount Meru’s peak. Undeterred, he ensnared Rāhu with his arm-noose, for Rāhu was protecting his uncle. At that moment, Mahodara struck Tuhuṇḍa on the head with an axe. Rāhu struggled to break free, but, O Nārada, he could not escape. Then, seizing a mace with swift might, the great-souled one struck down the wicked Rāhu. The battle raged on. Ghaṭodara struck with his mace, while Sukeśī, the lord of the demons, wielded a sword. With a mighty battle-axe, Tuhuṇ’s head was split open after he had just abandoned the fight. Five warriors, blazing together like a single fire of destruction, pressed into the army of the foremost Dānavas. In the thick of combat, a mace crashed down upon Vināyaka, striking his head, temple, and hand. Kumbhadhvaja’s joints were reduced to powder, and Ghaṭodara’s thigh-joints were shattered. The demon leader rushed once more, intent on slaying the lords of the hosts—Skanda, Viśākha, and the others. Turning to the mountain lord, he spoke, “Go, O hero, and slay the Daityas in battle.” Advancing upon Bali, he struck him on the head, and, bewildered by the blow, Bali collapsed to the ground. Thus unfolded the fierce and awe-inspiring battle, with divine forces and demon hosts clashing in a tumult of valor, devotion, and destiny.