Sūta said: He asked Kārttikeya who has a peacock as his excellent vehicle. He had stolen the collyrium from the eyes of the wives of the demon Mahiṣa (i.e. he made them widows by killing Mahiṣa). He is a noble soul (named) Mahāsena, whose voice resembles the rumbliṅg sound of the clouds. He appeared to see the joyous ebullitions of the mind of Umā, by assuming the false form of a boy. He took away the life of Krauñca, and delighted the heart of Gaurî, (He submitted): “O excellent one, what is this radiant thing, resembling collyrium, seen in the neck (of Śiva) which is as (white and) lustrous as the Kunda flower and the Moon? How has it happened so? Narrate this to me, a suppliant who am brilliant, devoted and have perfect self-control.