Auspicious and gentle signs began to appear, promising victory for Shambhu. The atmosphere was charged with fortune, and the very omens of the world seemed to favor his cause. Meanwhile, hosts of flesh-eating beings and those longing for sacrificial offerings pressed forward, their hearts quickened by the anticipation of battle and the scent of blood. Amid these stirring signs, a green bird, usually a messenger of fate, fell silent, turned away, and departed the scene. Then, the moon-crested Lord Shiva, smiling serenely, addressed the mountain and the assembled hosts. “Omens are manifest here, O lord of the hosts,” he declared, “signs that have arisen for all to see. What doubt can there be, O Mahadeva, that you will triumph over your enemies?” With confidence, he gave the order for battle to the great lords of beasts. Heroes bearing a variety of weapons surged forth, their movements as forceful as uprooted trees carried by a storm. They advanced with the intent to destroy the Pramathas, wielding spiked clubs and other fearsome arms. At the head of this mighty gathering stood the Sun and Fire, shining brilliantly as they arrived, eager to witness the unfolding conflict. The air was filled with the sounds of song, musical instruments, and the thunder of drums, all blending into a symphony that delighted in the prospect of battle. The enraged hosts, burning with zeal, sought to annihilate the army of demons before them. Suddenly, Tuhuṇḍa, filled with fiery anger, rushed forward at great speed. His presence blazed with a brilliance like Indra’s raised banner, capturing every eye. Even the Rudras and mighty warriors up to Skanda were seized with fear at his approach. Yet, they did not falter; instead, they rushed together toward Tuhuṇḍa, leader of the Danavas. With immense strength, Tuhuṇḍa hurled his iron club into the heart of the opposing formation. But, O Brahmin, the weapon shattered into a hundred fragments, as if a thunderbolt had struck the peak of Mount Meru. Undeterred, he ensnared Rāhu with his arm-noose, for Rāhu was guarding his uncle. In response, Mahodara struck Rāhu on the head with an axe. Though Rāhu struggled desperately to free himself, O Nārada, he could not escape. Then, seizing a mace with swift resolve, the great-souled one brought down the wicked Rāhu. Ghaṭodara joined in, striking with his own mace, while Sukeśī, lord of the demons, wielded a sword. In the next moment, with a battle-axe, he split open Tuhuṇ’s head, which had just been abandoned by its spirit. Five warriors, blazing together like a single fire of destruction, entered the ranks of the foremost Dānavas. Swinging his mace, one struck Vināyaka on the head, the temple, and the hand. Kumbhadhvaja’s joints were crushed to powder, and Ghaṭodara’s thigh-joints were shattered. Their strength faltering, the demons pressed on. Tuhuṇḍa, relentless, rushed swiftly to slay the lords of the hosts—Skanda, Viśākha, and the others. Addressing the mountain lord, he called out, “Go, O hero, and slay the Daityas in battle!” Drawing near to Bali, he struck him on the head; bewildered, Bali collapsed to the ground. With rage and speed, Tuhuṇḍa charged at Nandi. In the heat of battle, he struck Kujambha with the same weapon, and lifeless, Kujambha fell to the earth. As the leader of the hosts continued his onslaught, those being slain sought refuge with Duryodhana. Brandishing a spear that shone like lightning, Tuhuṇḍa hurled it at Nandi, proclaiming, “You are slain!” Yet, when he saw the missile cut down, he gathered his strength and pressed forward into the heart of the host. Struck down, he fell swiftly to the ground, and the terrified demons scattered in all directions. Seizing his mighty bow, Tuhuṇḍa loosed arrows as fierce as the rod of death, piercing his foes. Though Vinayaka and the others were powerful, they found themselves surrounded on all sides by a network of demon arrows. Undaunted, he quickly approached the enemy, fixed his gaze, and struck his opponent’s heart with a spear. The enemy was slain, and once more, the hostile army turned and fled in fear, their hopes shattered by the might of Shambhu’s hosts.