Shachi

Maharshi Lomasha travels to Indra's abode and sees Arjuna seated on half of Indra's throne. The sight puzzles him — how could a kshatriya, a mere warrior, attain such honor? Indra divines his thoughts and reveals the truth: Arjuna is Nara, the ancient rishi, and together with Narayana — Krishna — he has been born on earth to remove its burden and defeat the Nivatakavachas, asuras so powerful that even the gods cannot fight them.

After Damayanti chooses Nala, the four gods — delighted by her choice — each grant Nala two boons: Indra gives him presence at sacrifices and supreme sacred goals; Agni gives him his presence whenever desired and resplendent worlds; Yama gives him taste of food and establishment in dharma; Varuna gives him his presence and a fragrant garland. The gods return to heaven, the kings depart, and Nala marries Damayanti, ruling righteously like Yayati.

After spending the night through Tryambaka's favours, Arjuna meets the brahmana who had guided him earlier. The brahmana tells him he will see the lords of the worlds and receive weapons from Indra. That afternoon, all the lokapalas — Kubera, Yama, Varuna, and Indra — appear before him, and Arjuna receives their celestial weapons according to prescribed rites.

Ravana learns that Kumbhakarna, Prahasta, and Dhumraksha have been killed in battle. He summons his son Indrajit and commands him to kill Rama, Sugriva, and Lakshmana, reminding him of his past victory over Indra himself. Indrajit agrees, dons his armour, mounts his chariot, and proceeds to the battlefield.