After relinquishing his kingdom in defeat, the noble one remained steadfast, placing his mind firmly in the support of consciousness. Though he had been consecrated, he understood the eternal duties of royalty. Lalo was consecrated to his rightful position by the Daitya Prahlada himself. Curious about how he dwelt among gods and others, Narada asked for details. It was by austerity, through worship of the lord of the gods—the three-eyed wielder of the trident—that he attained remarkable boons: immunity from burning by fire and from wetting by water. With Shukra as his priest, Andhaka entered deep meditation. Having conquered the entire earth and defeated all kings of men, Andhaka gathered his allies. Together, they ascended to the wondrous peak of Meru. There, he arranged for the protection of Amaravati and then departed, mounting his own vehicle. Armed and determined, he and his companions set forth, moving swiftly outside with elephants, horses, chariots, and other conveyances. The Vidyadharas and others, too, mounted their own vehicles. Narada’s curiosity grew regarding the duties and vehicles of each being. In brief and in order, the vehicles of the gods were described: the king of the gods rode a lordly white elephant; the lord of Dharma, O Narada, rode a buffalo named Pauṇḍraka; Varuna traveled upon the divine-moving Śiśumāra; Dhanada’s vehicle was born from the foot of Ambikā; he rode swift, strong white bulls of the Saurabheya line. The Ādityas had horses and charioteers. Kinnaras rode serpents, the Aśvins rode horses, poets rode parrots, and Gandharvas went on foot. Fully armed, all these beings set out joyfully for battle, brimming with energy. Narada then requested the vehicles of the Daityas be described. The truth was revealed: their chariots were drawn by thousands of immense, black-colored beings, eight in number, shining white and golden in form. Jambha’s chariot was divine, pulled by horses that gleamed like gold. Śambara possessed an aerial car, while Ayaśaṅku rode a lordly deer. The divine armies rushed forward to attack, some on their own feet. The world was soon covered in dust, appearing tawny in color, O Narada. In the chaos, some attacked their own side, while others struck at the enemy. An elephant charged at a maddened lord of elephants, a horseman attacked another horseman. Each sought victory, striking one another in fierce combat. Amidst the tumult, a dreadful river arose, quelling the dust of battle. It was impassable, with elephant heads like turtles and arrows like fish. The river was choked with entrails resembling seaweed and garlanded with froth from banners. It teemed with forest birds, herons, jackals, and wild beasts. Heroes crossed this terrible river using chariots as rafts, plunging fearlessly into its depths.