he rattling of my car the wives of the _Nivata-Kavachas_.
Thereupon, seeing those ten thousand horses like unto peacocks (in hue),
and also that chariot resembling the sun, the women fled in swarms. And
like unto (the sounds of) rocks falling on a mountain, sounds arose of
the (falling) ornaments of the terrified dames. (At length), the
panic-stricken wives of the _Daityas_ entered into their respective
golden places variegated with innumerable jewels. Beholding that
excellent city, superior to the city of the celestials themselves, I
asked Matali, saying, "Why do not the celestials reside in such (a
place)? Surely, this appeareth superior to the city of Purandara."
Thereat, Matali said, "In days of yore, O Partha, even this was the city
of our lord of the celestials. Afterwards the celestials were driven
from hence by the _Nivata-Kavachas_. Having performed the most rigid
austerities, they had gratified the Grand-father and had asked (and
obtained) the boons--namely, that they might reside here, and that they
might be free from danger in wars with the gods." Then _Sakra_ addressed
the self-create lord saying, "Do thou, O lord, desirous of our own
welfare do what is proper." Thereupon, O Bharata, in this matter the
Lord commanded (Indra), saying, "O slayer of foes, in another body, even
thou shalt be (the destroyer of the _Danavas_)." Then, in order to
slaughter them, _Sakra_ rendered unto thee those weapons. The gods had
been unable to slay these, who have been slain by thee. O Bharata, in
the fullness of time, hadst thou come hither, in order to destroy them
and thou hast done so. O foremost of men, with the object that the
demons might be killed, Mahendra had conferred on thee the excellent
prime energy of these weapons.'

"Arjuna continued, 'After having destroyed the _Danavas_, and also
subdued that city, with Matali I again went to that abode of the
celestials.'"

SECTION CLXXII

"Arjuna continued, 'Then while returning, I happened to descry a mighty
unearthly city, moving at will, and having the effulgence of fire or the
sun. And that city contained various trees composed of gems, and
sweet-voiced feathered ones. And furnished with four gates, and
gate-ways, and towers, that impregnable (city) was inhabited by the
_Paulamas_ and _Kalakanjas_. And it was made of all sorts of jewels and
was unearthly, and of wonderful appearance. And it was covered with
trees of all kinds of gems, bearing fruits and flowers. A