Without
further loss of time, he assumed his Rudraswarupa and commanded his ganas to be
rallied under the banner of Subrahmanya along with the entire army of each god.
Lord Subrahmanya, the celestial commander-in-chief at once led Devendra, Yama,
Nairut, Varuna, Surya, Chandra, Agni and Ganesh to the war field to assist Lord
Siva, who assumed the august name of Marthand Bhairav. The terrible battle was
fought near Jayadri. The two asuras armed to the teeth, as it were, met the
challenge. Armored with great boons, they proved more than a match to the
devaganas. In the course of fierce clash, many fell on both sides. Seeing the
victory eluding the grip due to asuramaya, Lord Siva demonstrated his
Omnipotence and severed the head of Mani. Just before breathing his last, he
prayed that he be associated with the Lord's Marthand Bhairava form. The Lord
then sent Lord Vishnu with a message to Malla that he would be spared if taken
to instant flight to patala. This infuriated the arrogant Malla and he entered
with redoubled energy. Could he blow up the heaven's invincibility? And what
then his boon to the Lord? So, he fell although offered a stubborn reinstance
for a long time. As a death wish, he prayed to the Lord like his brother that
his name and image be associated with the conqueror. Flashing a smile, he sealed
it with approval. This accounts for the presence of Mani and Malla icons on the
pedestals of the Khandoba's image in temples. The great victory ushered in a
blissful peace in the universe. The sages then expressed their supplication to
the Lord to stay on the Jayatri Hill itself for ever, enabling them to offer
prayers to him. The Omni-compassionate God would never turn down such pious
requests of his adorers. Hence his dwelling on the Jayadri. Legend ends there
for the history to begin with the construction of temple atop the hill.
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