ala, and Virocana.

"These and many other mothers, O bull of Bharata's race, numbering by
thousands, of diverse forms, became the followers of Kartikeya. Their
nails were long, their teeth were large and their lips also, O Bharata,
were protruding. Of straight forms and sweet features, all of them,
endowed with youth, were decked with ornaments. Possessed of ascetic
merit, they were capable of assuming any form at will. Having not much
flesh on their limbs, they were of fair complexions and endued with
splendour like that of gold. Some amongst them were dark and looked like
clouds in hue and some were of the colour of smoke, O bull of Bharata's
race. And some were endued with the splendour of the morning sun and were
highly blessed. Possessed of long tresses, they were clad in robes of
white. The braids of some were tied upwards, and the eyes of some were
tawny, and some had girdles that were very long. Some had long stomachs,
some had long ears, and some had long breasts. Some had coppery eyes and
coppery complexion, and the eyes of some were green.

"Capable of granting boons and of travelling at will, they were always
cheerful. Possessed of great strength, some amongst them partook of the
nature of Yama, some of Rudra, some of Soma, some of Kuvera, some of
Varuna, some of Indra, and some of Agni, O scorcher of foes. And some
partook of the nature of Vayu, some of Kumara, some of Brahma, O bull of
Bharata's race, and some of Vishnu and some of Surya, and some of Varaha.

"Of charming and delightful features, they were beautiful like the Asuras.
In voice they resembled the kokila and in prosperity they resembled the
Lord of Treasures. In battle, their energy resembled that of Shakra. In
splendour they resembled fire. In battle they always inspired their foes
with terror. Capable of assuming any form at will, in fleetness they
resembled the very wind. Of inconceivable might and energy, their prowess
also was inconceivable.

"They have their abodes on trees and open spots and crossings of four
roads. They live also in caves and crematoriums, mountains and springs.
Adorned with diverse kinds of ornaments, they wear diverse kinds of
attire, and speak diverse languages. These and many other tribes (of the
mothers), all capable of inspiring foes with dread, followed the
high-souled Kartikeya at the command of the chief of the celestials.

"The adorable chastiser of Paka, O tiger among kings, gave unto Guha
(Kartikeya) a