Witnessing the turn of battle, Makarākṣa, mighty as he was and wielding his mace, lost his nerve and fled from the field. Though noble in spirit, he was overcome with shame at his retreat. Even the formidable Bāṇa, struck by the one whose gaze is like that of a makara, turned and ran from the fray. Another demon, sword raised, fled before the lords of the Gaṇas, unable to withstand their assault. The remaining demons, routed and terror-stricken, sought refuge with Skanda. But as they approached, Skanda pierced one through the heart with his spear; shattered in his vital essence, the demon collapsed lifeless to the ground. The wicked one, abandoning the field, escaped to the mountain called Dimācala. Driven by fear, he hid within a dreadful cave—a stronghold—while the Gaṇas continued to strike down the guilty in battle. Mounting his peacock, its crest of feathers shining, Skanda set out to slay Mahiṣāsura. Leaving Kailāsa behind, he journeyed to Himācala and then to Krauñca, entering the cave where the demon hid. There, Skanda paused, his mind troubled: “How can I become the slayer of my own kin?” He stood in deep reflection. Those with him approached, urging, “Strike Mahiṣa and the mountain with your spear; fulfill the purpose of the gods!” Yet Skanda pondered, “How can one slay a mother’s grandson, a nephew, a brother, or a brother’s son?” Still, he reasoned, “By following the will of the supreme mother, even the most sinful attain heaven.” He recalled the teaching that those who have committed offenses ought not be slain, especially revered teachers and elders. He resolved, “When the demon emerges from the cave, then I will slay him with my spear.” To those who pressed him, Skanda replied, “You are not wiser than I. Why do you speak so? Listen to the words once spoken by Hari. Even my own younger brother, Namuci, was slain before. Strike him down with the spear given by Pāvaka, and show your valor.” The youth, trembling, addressed Śatakratu, “Because you reproach me, it is clear you lack wisdom.” At that moment, the very house called out, “Come, come! If you are strong, fight!” A challenge was issued: “Whoever circumambulates the Krauñca mountain more swiftly—let him be the victor.” One, going on foot, completed the circumambulation even more quickly. Having done so, Guha stood and taunted, “Fool, why do you stand still?” This was not something done before, so the boy spoke to Śakra. Having achieved this feat, they approached Maheśa, Brahmā, and Mādhava. The mountain was questioned, “By whom was this circumambulation done before?” The mountain replied, “After you, Guha did it later, O Gotrabhit.” Then, the crooked one struck with his spear, together with the buffalo. When the buffalo was slain by Guha, Brahmā, Indra, Rudra, the Aśvins, and the chief Vasus rejoiced and ascended to heaven. But the wielder of the discus intervened, halting Guha, embracing him swiftly, and uttered, “Guru!” Hari, the enemy of the serpent-race, quickly took Kumāra, along with Śikhaṇḍin, to heaven. Yet Guha was troubled: “My brother, my maternal uncle’s son, has been defeated by me; therefore, I will cause my own body to waste away.” But it was proclaimed, “By bathing in the river Aghavatī and beholding Hara with devotion, you will become equal in splendor to the sun.” He bathed and worshipped the gods, and, radiant like the sun, went to the mountain, the abode of Hara. There, as he worshipped the Bull-bannered Lord, Hara was pleased and granted him a boon. Guha prayed, “Just as one might sever an image with the hand, may the Lord grant me the same power over Bāṇa.” Hara declared, “The might of Bāṇa’s arms, now grown formidable, shall be cut down—of this there is no doubt.