Having obtained that weapon, Krishna also became equal to the task.  Pavaka then, addressing Krishna, said, ’With this, O slayer of Madhu, thou shalt be able without doubt to vanquish in battle even foes that are not human.  With this weapon, without doubt, thou shalt be superior in battle to men and gods, and Rakshasas and Pisachas, and Daityas and Nagas.  And thou shalt certainly be able with this to smite all.  And, O Madhava, hurled by thee in battle at thy foes, this weapon will irresistibly slay the enemy and again come back into thy hands.’  And the lord Varuna, after this, gave unto Krishna a mace, of name Kaumodaki, capable of slaying every Daitya and producing, when hurled, a roar like that of the thunder.  Then Arjuna and Achyuta, filled with joy said unto Pavaka, ’O exalted one, furnished with weapons and knowing their use, possessed of cars with flags and flagstaffs, we are now able to fight with even all the celestials and the Asuras (together), let alone the wielder of the thunderbolt desirous of fighting for the sake of the Naga (his friend Takshaka).’  Arjuna also said, ’O Pavaka, while Hrishikesa, endued with abundant energy, moves on the field of battle with this discus in hand, there is nothing in the three worlds that he will not be able to consume by hurling this weapon.  Having obtained the bow Gandiva and this couple of inexhaustible quivers I also am ready to conquer in battle the three worlds.  Therefore, O lord, blaze thou forth as thou likest, surrounding this large forest on every side.  We are quite able to help thee.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Thus addressed both by Dasarha and Arjuna, the illustrious god then put forth his most energetic form, and prepared to consume the forest.  Surrounding it on all sides with his seven flames, he began to consume the forest of Khandava, exhibiting his all-consuming form like that at the end of the Yuga (cycle).  And, O bull of Bharata’s race, surrounding that forest and catching it from all sides with a roar like that of the clouds, Agni made every creature within it tremble.  And, O Bharata, that burning forest then looked resplendent like the king of mountains, Meru, blazing with the rays of the sun fallen thereupon.’”

SECTION CCXXVIII

(Khandava-daha Parva continued)

“Vaisampayana said, ’Then those foremost of car-warriors (Krishna and Arjuna), riding in their cars and placing themselves on opposite sides of that forest, began a great slaughter, on all sides, of the creatures dwelling in Khandava.  At whatever point any of the creatures residing in Khandava could be seen attempting to escape, thither rushed those mighty heroes (to prevent its flight).  Indeed those two excellent cars seemed to be but one, and the two warriors also therein but one individual.  And while the forest was burning, hundreds and thousands of living creatures, uttering frightful yells, began to run about in all directions.  Some had particular