Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.57

v3.c19.57

A different version of the destruction of Mahishāsura is given in the Vāmana-purāṇa. Pulastya addressing Nārada says—"The gods, having been defeated by Mahishāsura, forsook their abodes and hastened, with Brahmā at their head, to implore the protection of Vishnu. Śaṅkara was also present there; and, when the gods finished relating their grievances, Vishnu, and at his command, Brahmā, Śaṅkara and all the gods so emitted flames of anger from their eyes and countenances that a mountain of effulgence was formed. From this mountain came forth Kātyāyanī, resplendent as a thousand suns, with three eyes, with hair black as night and with eighteen arms. To her Śiva gave a trident, Vishnu a disc, Varuṇa a conch, Agni a dart, Yama an iron rod, Vāyu a bow, Sūrya a quiver and arrows, Indra a thunderbolt, Kubēra a mace, Brahmā a rosary and a water-pot, Kāla a sword and shield, Viśvakarma a