Cupid, the master of many heavenly women, followed by groups of Gandharvas playing musical instruments and singing, appeared, holding his bow and arrow. He came with persons who had groups of instrument players and singers. The suffix kaiḥ has the sense of “possessing.” The sage realized their presence somewhat in his mind and began to tremble. This can be understood from later verses. Verse 29 mentions he was a like suddenly awakened snake, and the word dharṣitaḥ (violated) in verse 30 indicates awareness of their attack.