Then, O monarch, he of a hundred sacrifices
(Indra), beholding the immortals retreat, became filled with joy and
applauded Krishna and Arjuna. And when the celestials gave up the fight,
an incorporeal voice, deep and loud, addressing him of a hundred
sacrifices, said, 'Thy friend Takshaka, that chief of snakes, hath not
been slain! Before the conflagration commenced in Khandava he had
journeyed to Kurukshetra. Know from my words, O Vasava, that Vasudeva and
Arjuna are incapable of being vanquished in battle by any one! They are
Nara and Narayana--those gods of old heard of in heaven! Thou knowest what
their energy is and what their prowess. Invincible in battle, these best
of old Rishis are unconquerable by any one in all the worlds! They deserve
the most reverential worship of all the celestials and Asuras; of Yakshas
and Rakshasas and Gandharvas, of human beings and Kinnaras and Nagas.
Therefore, O Vasava, it behoveth thee to go hence with all the celestials.
The destruction of Khandava hath been ordained by Fate!' Then the chief of
the immortals, ascertaining those words to be true abandoned his wrath and
jealousy, and went back to heaven. The dwellers in heaven, O monarch,
beholding the illustrious Indra abandon the fight, followed him with all
their soldiers. Then those heroes, Vasudeva and Arjuna, when they saw the
chief of the celestials retreat accompanied by all the gods, set up a
leonine roar. And, O monarch, Kesava and Arjuna, after Indra had left the
scene, became exceedingly glad.
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