A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.891

c5.891

KRAUNCHA. 1. A pass situated somewhere in the Himālayas, said to have been opened by Parasu-rāma with his arrows to make a passage from Kailāsa to the southwards. The Vāyu Purāna attributes the splitting of the mountain to Kārttikeya. Indra and Kārttikeya had a dispute about their respective powers, and agreed to decide it by running a race round the mountain. They disagreed as to the result, and therefore appealed to the mountain, who untruly decided in favour of Indra. “Kārttikeya hurled his lance at the mountain and pierced at once it and the demon Mahisha.” 2. A confederate of the demon Tāraka, against whom Kārttikeya led the gods and triumphed. 3. One of the seven Dwīpas. See Dwīpa.