Janamejaya said, “While those foremost of men–the sons of Pritha–werepassing their days in the forest exposed to the inclemencies of thewinter, the summer, the wind and the sun, what did they do, O Brahmana,after they had reached the lake and woods going by the name of Dwaita?”
Vaisampayana said, “Then Kesava, the slayer of Madhu, also calledJanardana, having conversed on various agreeable themes with theillustrious sons of Pandu and with those Brahmanas that were headed byMarkandeya and having bid them farewell, mounted his car and called forSatyabhama.
“Draupadi said, ‘I shall now indicate to thee, for attracting the heartof thy husbands a way that is free from deceit.
Vaisampayana said, “After those Brahmanas and the illustrious sons ofPandu had taken their seats, Draupadi and Satyabhama entered thehermitage. And with hearts full of joy the two ladies laughed merrily andseated themselves at their ease.
Markandeya continued, “When Skanda had bestowed these powers, Swahaappeared to him and said, ‘Thou art my natural son,–I desire that thoushalt grant exquisite happiness to me.”
“Markandeya continued, ‘Those six ladies, the wives of the seven Rishiswhen they learned that good fortune had smiled on Mahasena and that hehad been made leader of the celestial forces,[79] repaired to his camp.
“Markandeya continued, ‘Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet andwreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes weregolden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in a redgarment and looked very handsome;
“Markandeya continued, ‘Now hear of those terrible and curious-lookingfollowers of Skanda. A number of male children came into being whenSkanda was struck with the thunder-bolt,–those terrific creatures
“Markandeya continued, The planets with their satellites, the Rishis andthe Mothers, Agni and numerous other blazing courtiers and many otherdwellers of heaven of terrible mien, waited on Mahasena along with theMothers.
“Markandeya continued, ‘When that powerful, high-souled, and mighty beingwas born, various kinds of fearful phenomena occurred. And the nature ofmales and females, of heat and cold, and of such other pairs ofcontraries, was reversed.
