Indra Attacks Kartikeya and Is DefeatedIndra, king of the gods, rides out on Airavata with the full army of heaven to kill Agni's son, Mahasena. But when the boy god roars back and belches flames that burn the divine army to cinders, the gods abandon their king — and Indra is left alone to hurl his vajra at a being who cannot be killed by it.
Skanda's Companions and the Group of MothersMarkandeya narrates the origin of Skanda's terrifying companions — sons and daughters born when the vajra struck him. The mothers of the world approach Skanda and ask to be made supreme, worshipped by all. He grants their wish, and through his favour, each mother bears a terrible son named Shishu, establishing the group of eight brave ones and the nine including Bhadrashakha.