In ancient times, a grand festival was established by a noble king, whose customs were followed by rulers everywhere. On the day after the ceremonial entry, the kings would carry out the magnificent elevation of the staff—a ritual of great significance. The staff itself was splendid, rising thirty-two cubits high, adorned with platforms, fragrant garlands, and ornaments. Around it were wound bands and garlands, and it stood upon a platform twelve cubits tall, surrounded by splendid cloths of every color. The finest Brahmins honored the ritual, offering garments, food, and drink, and reciting auspicious hymns before the banner was raised. At that moment, the air resounded with the triumphant sounds of conches, kettledrums, and mridangas. There, in the form of the staff, the blessed Vasava—Indra—was worshipped. With heartfelt devotion, the Yakshas, beginning with Manibhadra, were worshipped alongside the gods, all in reverence and love for the great-souled Vasava, who had graciously accepted this offering. Gifts of many kinds were presented to supplicants and friends, and the staff was further adorned with garlands, bands, and colorful garments. By the king’s command, all present played joyfully with water-filled vessels, honoring the king and engaging in lighthearted, humorous conversation. The entire populace—townspeople and country folk alike—rejoiced, while bards, minstrels, dancers, and actors delighted in the festivities. With their families, ministers, and bedecked in ornaments, all celebrated the great festival, their hearts filled with joy. In the midst of this happiness, the king of the Cedis, adorned with red ochre and accompanied by his queen, found great joy, dwelling in the abodes of the mighty. Thus, throughout the land, people performed the Indra festival for Vasu, just as the king of the Cedis had done, filled with devotion and celebration. Witnessing this auspicious worship offered to Vasu, Mahendra—Indra himself—mounted his celestial chariot, yoked with tawny horses, and descended from the heavens. Accompanied by Śacī and attended by hosts of Apsarases, he approached Vasu, the foremost of kings, and spoke these words: “Those who worship with joy as the king of the Cedis has done, and who arrange this festival with delight, for them prosperity and victory shall arise throughout their realms. Their lands will flourish and be filled with happiness. Their crops will be abundant in many ways, and neither Rākṣasas nor Piśācas will ever harm them.” Having thus honored Vasu with affection, Maghavat—Indra—returned to his own celestial abode. Those who continually celebrate the festival of Śakra (Indra), honoring him with gifts of land, jewels, boons, great sacrifices, and the festival itself, are truly blessed. Vasu, lord of the Cedis and honored by Maghavat, ruled the earth in his land according to dharma. By Indra’s favor, King Vasu performed the Indra festival, and his five sons, mighty and radiant, were born to him. The emperor established his sons in various kingdoms: the renowned Bṛhadratha, a great chariot-warrior, among the Magadhas; Pratyagraha; Kuśāmba—also called Maṇivāhana; Matsyilla; Yadu; and the royal Aparājita. These sons, each illustrious, established their own names over lands and ancient cities. These five Vasava kings, each founding a lasting lineage, dwelled in Indra’s crystal palace in the sky, attended by Gandharvas and Apsarases. Thus, Vasu became renowned as Rājoparicara. Near his city flowed the river Śuktimatī, and the mountain Kolāhala, endowed with consciousness, is said to have moved by its own will. Vasu struck this mountain with his foot, and through the opening thus created, the river emerged. On its banks, Parvata himself produced a pair—a boy and a girl—and the pleased river reported this miraculous event to the king. The river declared, “The girl shall become the queen, and the boy will be the commander of the army.” Hearing this and seeing the children, the foremost among kings took action: the boy, Vasur, generous and noble, was made commander of the army, a destroyer of enemies; the girl became his wife, and thus Girika became Vasur’s spouse. When Girika’s fertile period arrived, she bathed and was purified for conception. On that day, her fathers said to the king, “Go hunt animals.” The wise and pleased king, obeying the command of his ancestors, departed, leaving Girika behind. Desiring pleasure and remembering his beautiful wife, he entered the forest, which was as delightful as fortune itself. The forest was filled with ashokas, champakas, mango trees, atimuktas, punnagas, karnikaras, bakulas, and divine patalas, as well as jackfruit, coconut, sandalwood, and arjuna trees—great, auspicious, and laden with sweet fruits. The air was alive with the calls of cuckoos and the buzzing of intoxicated bees. In the splendor of spring, the forest resembled Chaitraratha, the celestial grove. Overwhelmed by longing, the king wandered, burning with desire, unable to see Girika. Aimlessly he roamed, until his eyes fell upon a branch covered with flowers and fresh leaves, hidden amidst clusters of ashokas—a sight most delightful to behold.