With Nandina placed at the forefront, the gods and their allies advanced, intent on destroying the Dānavas. Yet, the mighty warriors, led by Kārtasvara, turned back once more, their resolve shaken. Alongside them, Nandiṣeṇa, Vyāghramukha, and the swift-footed Vegavān also withdrew from the fray. O Nārada, Kārtasvara, gripping his formidable mace, turned back to face the enemy. But as he roared in challenge, a foe whirled his spear and struck Kārtasvara forcefully on the head. In the chaos, the valiant adversary bound both the lord of the Gaṇas and Nandiṣeṇa together with his spear. At that moment, Viśākha, son of Kapi, stepped forward, ready for battle, his spear poised in his hand. The mighty one engaged Viśākha, the bearer of the cock-banner, in fierce combat. Śākha and Naigameya, swift and determined, charged at the enemy with great speed, their hearts set on victory. Together, Śākha and Naigameya reached Śambara in the midst of the battle, while the lords of the Gaṇas looked on. But Śambara, cunning and elusive, vanished in an instant, as if the very earth had dissolved into the sky. Then, O divine sage, the youthful hero turned to all directions and struck down the opposing army with a mighty assault. Amidst this turmoil, a woman, her form dejected and limbs trembling with fear, overcome by distress and terror, sought refuge with Śukra. At this juncture, Andhaka approached Śukra and spoke earnestly. O sage among the twice-born, he summoned the Gandharvas, Asuras, and Kinnaras to his side. He spoke of how, just as a woman without a protector is tormented by wicked ones, so too were these inexhaustible fiends, likened to the ripe fruit of Kurukṣetra, beset by adversaries. As they conquered others in battle, he urged Śukra to act in accordance with their example, pledging his own efforts to please and benefit Śukra. With pure resolve, Śukra performed the sacred rites according to the proper ordinance. Miraculously, those Dānavas who had first been slain in battle rose up again, restored to life by Śukra’s power. As the warriors gathered once more for combat, Nandī approached Śaṅkara and spoke: “The revival of the dead is inconceivable and unbearable. Again and again, they are revived by Bhārgava’s (Śukra’s) knowledge. Yet, O Lord, the power of Śukra’s knowledge has become somewhat diminished.” Hearing this, the Lord replied with affection, revealing the supreme means for his own purpose: “I will restrain him as is fitting, having come together with him.” With this resolve, he approached the host of the Daityas, intent on seizing Śukra himself. He blocked their path, formidable as a lion confronting its prey in the forest. In the ensuing clash, he was struck down and fell unconscious, prompting Nandi to swiftly depart from the scene. Seeing this, five tiger-like Daityas rushed at Nandi, armed with a variety of weapons, charging at the Lord of the Gaṇas with fury. At this dire moment, the gods, led by the Grandfather (Brahmā), beheld the unfolding events and declared, “Let assistance be rendered to Shambhu at this most critical moment.” Instantly, Shiva’s celestial army descended from the sky, swift as mighty rivers plunging into the vast ocean. The confrontation between the two forces—the hosts of gods and demons—was terrifying to behold. In the midst of this tumult, Bhargava (Śukra) leapt from his chariot like a lion pouncing upon a hapless animal. After striking down all the guards, he hastened to report these events to Śukra, the preceptor of the Asuras.