When Gods and fiends in battle met,

So fiercely fought the demon crew,

So wild a storm of arrows flew,

That heavenly warriors faint with pain,

Sank smitten by the ceaseless rain.

Vṛihaspati,[959] with herb and spell,

Cured the sore wounds of those who fell.

And, skilled in arts that heal and save,

New life and sense and vigour gave.

Far, on the Milky Ocean's shore,