For twelve days, the father-in-law and brother-in-law, weighed down by sorrow, remained together in deep distress. Yet, it is said that those wise souls who constantly listen with devotion come to dwell in the abode of Hari, while those who turn away from Him are destined to wander through many hells. Dharma, sacrifice, the king, and even the thief—all are dear to Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune. In the sacred rites, offerings to mothers and to the gods are made with the utterances of ‘svadha’ and ‘svaha’. Of these, it is the thief who is the destroyer, for all others are servants of dharma. In the house of the virtuous, the wealth that is not founded on truth does not endure. The virtuous man, pressed by circumstance, sold his garments, ornaments, and whatever else he possessed, simply to survive. At last, one day, his daughter was left without food or clothing. Witnessing her father in prayer to the Lord of the universe, the daughter too turned to Hari in devotion. “Come, I will worship you,” she declared aloud. But when her mother scolded her for this, she wondered anxiously, “O auspicious one, where shall I stay at such a time?” In the age of Kali, it is known, actions yield their results swiftly for all. With a longing heart, she prayed, “Let my father and master come to this land, for this is my desire.” Seeking means for her family, the woman arrived at the house of Śīlapāla, the protector and guardian. Hearing her plea, Śīlapāla gave her five niṣkas of wealth. Freed from his debts by this act, the virtuous man set out to perform the ancestral rites at Gayā. Līlāvatī, together with her companion, performed their worship with deep devotion. Meanwhile, in the city on the banks of the Narmadā, the king lay sleeping in his palace. That night, a brāhmaṇa appeared before him and awakened him with gentle words: “Rise, rise, O king! Release those two virtuous ones.” Thus roused from sleep, the king was astonished. Quickly rising, he contemplated the eternal Brahman. The chief minister counseled him, “O brāhmaṇa, bring those two here and question them properly, O king.” Accordingly, the virtuous man was brought before the king, who questioned him sincerely, seeking only the truth. “O great king,” the man replied, “we both live by trade, buying and selling gems and pearls in your city. Who among men does not face misfortune when fate turns against him? We are not thieves, O king; judge for yourself the truth of our words.” Hearing this, the king ordered that the strong bonds be cut, and Lomaśa was set free. In the city, he was honored with new garments, ornaments, and vehicles. Yet, in the prison, he had endured many kinds of suffering. Moved by the words of the virtuous, the king spoke to his treasurer. Together with his brother-in-law, the virtuous man performed worship with songs, musical instruments, and auspicious rites. Indeed, Lord Satyanarayana bestows visible results, especially in the age of Kali. The virtuous man then requested, “Quickly send the boats.” But he confessed, “O master, I have no wealth; only leaves and such fill my stores.” Hearing this, the ascetic replied, “So be it,” and spoke thus at once. When the boats were opened, there was indeed no wealth inside. The virtuous man became greatly anxious, his mind struck as if by a thunderbolt. Overcome by faintness and distress, he lamented again and again, his heart heavy with sorrow.