Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.891

c7.891

25) *Indra and Keśī*. Long ago a terrible war took place between Devas and Asuras. At that time an Asura called Keśī attempted to abduct Devasenā, daughter of a Prajāpati. Hearing her shrieks, Indra rushed to the spot. In the clash between Keśī and Indra, Keśī's club was broken into two with Indra's weapon Vajra. Suddenly Keśī lifted a mountain and threw it at Indra. Indra broke that mountain also into two. One part of it fell on Keśī himself, who fled frightened. After that, Indra asked Devasenā how she happened to fall in Keśī's hands. Devasenā answered thus:—"I am the daughter of Prajāpati. My name is Devasenā. Keśī had abducted my elder sister, Daityasenā. My sister and I used to come to our bath in this Mānasa lake. Keśī had expressed his wish to abduct both of us. My father has given me his blessing that a person who is worshipped by gods and asuras will become my husband. Having heard these facts, Indra held consultations with Brahmā and arranged the marriage between Subrahmanya and Devasenā. See also the word "Subrahmanya". (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 223).