Atibala was one of the two warrior aides donated by Vāyu (Vayu; the Wind-god) to Skanda Kārtikeya (Kartikeya), when the latter was installed as the general of the divine army by the gods with the goal of killing Tārakāsura (Tarakasura). Each of them also gave him a few of their own followers to help him in the impending battle with Tārakāsura. Atibala was one of such followers.