Shalva Invades Dvaraka with His Army

Shalva, the lord of Soubha, came to the city of Dvaraka with many men, elephants and forces. The army under his command had four kinds of forces — chariots, elephants, cavalry and infantry — and it settled itself on plain ground where there was plenty of water. The army avoided cremation grounds, temples of the gods, anthills and chaityas (sacred shrines) — all considered inauspicious sites for encampment. The army formations were divided so that all the roads were covered. Shalva's troops encompassed all nine slopes — the approaches to the city. There was every kind of weapon, and the soldiers were skilled in the use of every kind of weapon. There were masses of chariots, elephants and horses, with infantry and flags. The army was well paid and well fed and bore all the marks of courage. There were colourful pennants and colourful chariots and bows. Shalva settled in Dvaraka. And like the king of the birds — the garuda — he attacked with great strength.