78. On hearing those words from Visa’s mouth Jambha roared loudly like a lion. Shaking the world with his loud boisterous laughter in the course of the battle, he spoke the (following) words sportively:
79-81. “O resider in waters, what have you to do with these Daityas deficient in exploits. Come to me in the course of this battle, if you have (any) manliness left anywhere. It was because Jambha was not present then that Hiranyaksa and other Daityas could be killed by you formerly. See me standing ready
now. O Hari, have a look at these arms of mine resembling palm trees or the excessively hard chest resembling the thunder¬ bolt. Strike me; that will be a pleasure.”
82. On being told thus by him Kesava licked the corners of his mouth angrily and hurled a terrible iron bar that could split even mountains.
83. Then, immediately thereafter Vispu hurled a hard mallet which was made of iron and which appeared like a second mountain!
84. On seeing those two weapons, Jambha placed his bow on the chariot. He jumped down and seized the (coming) iron bar. With that he hit Garuda.
85. After that he took up a second weapon, a mallet. Roar¬ ing in the course of the battle and using all his vital airs and force he hit Govinda on the head.
86 . On account of those two severe blows, both of them, Garuda and Kesava, fell into a swoon. They were unconscious and were almost like dead.
87. On seeing that great wonderful feat, the excellent Daityas roared. This universe did not brook them as they were swayed with delight and pride.
88 . They encouraged Jambha with leonine roars, sounds of the slapping and clapping of the hands, the twangs of the bowstrings and the sounds of the arrows. They waved their clothes.
89-90. They filled the conchs (with blowing sounds) and hurled the Devatas. Hari regained consciousness in the course of the great battle. Along with Vainateya, he embraced Jambha. Then he turned his face away from the unavoidable fight and rapidly fled.
Naracla said :
1. On seeing him fleeing with his flag and bow smashed and destroyed and the Daityas rejoicing, Zndra (was in a dilemma) not knowing what he should do.
2. The Lord of Suras came near Vi$nu in a great hurry. He then spoke to him (Vi§nu) sweet words instilling enthusiasm.
3. “O Lord, why do you play with these Danavas of vicious minds? How can that man whose vital and vulnerable points have been found (controlled) by wicked men, pursue his activities?
4. A base man treated indifferently by a powerful person thinks that it is due to his strength. Hence an intelligent man should never neglect a mean-minded one.
5. If you think that a warrior on a chariot becomes victorious by the excellent fighting performance of a good warrior going ahead, O Lord, who was your friend (and assistant) formerly at the time of slaying Hiranyaksa?
6 . Daitya Hirariyakasipu was very powerful and arrogant. But coming into contact with you, he was destroyed like a blade of grass (in fire). Who was your forerunner (i.e. going in front
of you) (then)?
7. Formerly, the very powerful Daityas who were equal to Madhu and Kaitabha went to the jaws of Death after coming into clash with you, like fireflies entering a fire.
8 . In every Yuga, O Hari, Daityas met with death at your hands. Similarly, O Visnu, you are the support now of Suras here, who are terrified.”
9. On being urged thus, Visnu of great powerful arms, increased in size, strength, splendour and prosperity. The slayer of enemies had been the support of all living beings.
10-15. Then Kcsava said to the Thousand-eyed one (i.e. Indra) laughingly.' ,! What you said is true. It is the same as the words within me (i.e. what I feel about it). I am able to burn all
the Danavas in the three worlds within a moment. But
- Taraka cannot be killed by anyone excepting a seven-day old infant.
- Mahisa and Sumbha—these two are destined to be killed by a woman.
- Jambha has been cursed by Durvasas that he will be killed by you.
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