Mayasura's Gratitude

The Khandava forest burnt for ten days. Except for six individuals, all the inhabitants of the forest were reduced to ashes. The six survivors were the demon Mayasura, whom Arjuna had saved, four saranga birds, and the snake Ashvasena, Takshaka's son. Takshaka himself was not in the forest during the blaze, but his wife, who was present, was burnt alive.

Krishna and Arjuna were exhausted and were relaxing in the chariot. Just then, the demon Mayasura came up to them and folded his hands in gratitude. He introduced himself as the chief sculptor of the demons and thanked Arjuna for saving his life. 

"I am truly indebted to you. Tell me what I can do for you."

"Your humble offer is more than enough for me," replied Arjuna in a weary voice. "You are now free to go anywhere you want."

When Mayasura insisted, Arjuna said, "Build an assembly hall for Yudhishthira more magnificent than any that has ever been built or will ever be built."

"As you wish. Your request will be fulfilled."

Mayasura then set to work on Yudhishthira's assembly hall. Yudhishthira provided him with the land required. Not satisfied with the raw materials he had been given, Mayasura rushed to Mount Kailash, where there were several rare and valuable gems. He remembered that a large mace belonging to him also lay there. He returned from Mount Kailash with a number of items. He gave Bhima the mace and Arjuna a conch named Devadatta.