Thirst and satisfaction, pleasure and conduct, violence and patience, thought and movement—these eight powers shaped the life and rule of King Kshatrasingha. Through their influence, he governed wisely and justly. Therefore, O Vikramaditya, it was said: worship Durga, the eternal and unfailing goddess, for she is the source of strength and protection. Vaitāla, who had examined King Vikramaditya through questions and answers, spoke further: “All the cities and fields have been ravaged by robbers. The king who restores the sacred places will mark the era known as Vikrama, an age that once more upholds righteousness. In time, a powerful portion of Krishna will be born on earth. The sages, such as Sūta, residing in Naimisharanya, will become deeply devoted to listening to the Purāṇas.” With these words, Vaitāla vanished from sight. As twilight approached, the sages, aware of the hour, bathed in the sacred Kedara pond and worshipped Shiva in their hearts. Immersed in meditation, they remained there for a full year, while King Vikramaditya continued to rule with wisdom and virtue. After their period of devotion, the sages approached Sūta and requested, “By your command, let us perform the horse sacrifice for the king.” Sūta consented and journeyed with them—first to Kapila’s place, then south to Setubandha. The sacrificial horse moved swiftly, reaching the Kshipra river. At the king’s sacrifice, all the gods gathered, accompanied by their wives, honoring the occasion. When the sacrifice concluded, and after gifts had been distributed, Vaitāla was present. O king, when the dreadful Kali age arrives, its effects will be felt. At that moment, the Moon gave nectar-like water and then vanished. Indra, having received this nectar from the king, returned to heaven. During this time, a Brahmin named Jayanta, renowned for his wisdom, praised Bhartṛhari, honoring him with a hundred thousand gold coins. Yet, Vikramaditya alone held his kingdom without affliction. The sages led by Śaunaka, recognizing Vikramaditya’s attainment of heaven, listened as the bard again recited the Purāṇas. Filled with joy, the sages returned to their hermitages. Thus ended the twenty-third chapter in the section of the Kali Age history, within the cycle of the four ages, in the Pratisarga Parva of the glorious Bhaviṣya Mahāpurāṇa. The sages, respectful and eager, questioned the bard who recited the Purāṇas: “O revered one, speak for the welfare of the worlds across the four ages. May humans attain auspiciousness effortlessly, as they desire. For the protection of the world, against the enemy Dhūmraketu, I always praise the god Satyanārāyaṇa. I praise Śrī Rāma, together with Lakṣmaṇa, compassionate and pure, accompanied by Sītā—whose lotus-face draws the bee of Rāma’s love—destroyer of the Paulastya demon. Śrī Rāma is the destroyer of Kali’s impurity, manifestor of desires, shining among the foremost of gods, radiant through the Brahmin. Once, Nārada the yogi, wishing to bestow supreme grace, saw all people afflicted by various sufferings. He wondered by what means their pain could surely be destroyed. At that moment, the god Nārāyaṇa appeared—white in color, with four arms—ready to grant relief and blessings.