“Come, let me worship you,” she declared aloud, her voice filled with devotion. But her mother rebuked her sharply, leaving her troubled and uncertain. “O auspicious one,” she wondered anxiously, “where shall I stay at such a time as this?” For it is the nature of the Kali age that actions bear their fruits swiftly; whatever one does, the results come almost at once. With her heart set on her desires, she prayed earnestly: “May my father and master come to this land, just as I wish.” Seeking prosperity, the woman journeyed to the house of Śīlapāla, the noble protector and guardian. When Śīlapāla heard her plea, he responded with generosity, giving her five niṣkas of wealth. Thus, relieved of his debts, he set out to perform the sacred ancestral rites at Gayā. Līlāvatī, together with the woman, performed their worship with deep devotion. Meanwhile, in the city on the banks of the sacred Narmadā, the king slept peacefully in his palace. That night, a brāhmaṇa appeared before him and gently awakened him with soft words: “Rise, rise, O king! Release those two virtuous souls.” The king, startled and amazed by this vision, quickly rose from his bed and contemplated the eternal Brahman. As he pondered, his chief minister approached and said, “O brāhmaṇa, bring those two here and question them properly, O king.” The king agreed, and the virtuous one was brought before him. With sincerity, the king inquired into their circumstances. The virtuous man replied truthfully: “O great king, we both live by commerce, traveling for trade. We come to your city to buy and sell gems and pearls. Who among men does not face misfortune when fate turns against him? We are not thieves, O king; judge the truth for yourself.” Hearing these words, the king ordered the strong bonds to be cut, freeing Lomaśa at once. In recognition of his virtue, the man was honored throughout the city with fine garments, ornaments, and vehicles. Yet, in the prison, many kinds of suffering had already been endured. Moved by the virtuous man’s words, the king spoke to his treasurer. Together with his brother-in-law, the virtuous man performed worship, accompanied by songs, instruments, and auspicious rites. For in the age of Kali, Lord Satyanarayana grants visible results to those who worship him. Afterward, the virtuous man made a request: “Quickly send the boats.” But he confessed with humility, “O master, I have no wealth; only leaves and such things fill my stores.” The ascetic, hearing this, replied, “So be it,” and spoke further. Yet when the boats were searched, no wealth was found within them, and the virtuous man became deeply anxious. His mind was tormented, as if struck by a thunderbolt. Overcome by distress, he lamented again and again. In his anguish, he removed the cloth from his neck and bowed before the ascetic, saying, “O lord of gods, or whoever you may be, I do not know your power.” The ascetic replied, “Abandon your foolishness, O virtuous one; do not speak vain words.” Still, the virtuous man could not comprehend the presence of great wealth. It was then remembered that when King Candracūḍa had worshipped Satyanarayana, he had forgotten to request what was needed, and now suffered the consequences. “Neglecting him, O misguided one, how can you expect to attain what is right?” the ascetic admonished him. In that moment, the virtuous man recognized the ascetic as Satyanarayana himself, and with trembling voice, he praised him: “You, who are the truth of the universe, I bow to you, the truth itself. Those whose minds are bewildered by your maya cannot perceive their own auspiciousness.” Thus, through devotion, humility, and the grace of Satyanarayana, the truth was revealed, and the virtuous were blessed, even amid the swift trials of the Kali age.