Arjuna Reports to Shakra and Receives Praise
Arjuna returns to Indra's abode, his mission complete. Matali recounts every detail of the battle — the destruction of Hiranyapura, the maya, the slaying of the nivatakavachas. Indra, delighted, declares that Arjuna has paid a great preceptor's fee and that Yudhishthira will conquer the earth through his strength.
With a happy mind, Matali drove Arjuna from the field of battle to the abode of the king of the gods. Arjuna had accomplished his task. He had destroyed Hiranyapura. He had killed the great asuras and the nivatakavachas. He returned to Shakra.
Matali recounted everything in detail — the destruction of Hiranyapura, the use of maya by the danavas, the way it was repulsed, the slaying of the immensely powerful nivatakavachas in battle. He told it completely and exactly as it had happened.
On hearing this, Purandara, the one with a thousand eyes, was delighted. In the midst of the Maruts (the storm gods), he spoke words like "Wonderful" and "Well done." Together with the other gods, the king of the gods repeatedly congratulated Arjuna.
"In battle, you have accomplished a deed that was impossible for the gods and the asuras. O Partha! By slaying my enemies, you have paid a great preceptor's fee. O Dhananjaya! You will always remain as steady in battle. You will know what has to be done and will not be confounded in using these weapons. The gods, the danavas, the rakshasas, the yakshas, the asuras and the gandharvas, together with masses of birds and serpents, will not be able to withstand you in battle. O Kounteya! Through the strength of your arms, Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, with dharma in his soul, will conquer the earth and protect it." Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 467