Upon hearing these words, the king of the earth promptly commanded his army to prepare for battle. His forces were formidable: five thousand chariots, each manned by skilled archers, and three hundred kings of royal descent, all loyal and battle-hardened. Among them stood Dhundhukāra, the king’s own kinsman, who always led the elephant corps, while the other kings also took command of the infantry. The king’s vast host was stationed at a distance of twenty kos from the enemy, and he himself arranged his army, which numbered a staggering sixteen lakhs. Of these, eight lakhs were horses, trained and adept in every form of warfare. Meanwhile, those of the Śukla lineage, perceiving the king as an obstacle to their purpose, began to act decisively. On the far bank of the Īśanā river, a palanquin was set down, marking a significant moment. Ratnabhānu was appointed as the commander of the elephants, entrusted with their care and the recognition of their unique marks. To protect Ratnabhānu, Pradyota and Vidyota stood by his side, ever vigilant. Pride swelled in the hearts of the kings as they took their places among their infantry, and soon the clash began: horses fell to the charge of horses, elephants fought and killed their counterparts, and all were shielded by their sovereigns. Fearless, they plunged into the fray, and for five days, a fierce and devastating battle raged, consuming many valiant heroes. In that bloody conflict, five hundred thousand foot soldiers of the king perished. Nine thousand elephants belonging to the king of Kānyakubja were slain, and one hundred thousand horses lost their lives, their spirits ascending to the city of the gods. Grief weighed heavily on the king’s heart, and in his sorrow, he devotedly praised the god Rudra. Pleased, the king went to meet Saṃyoginī. At the sight of the king, Saṃyoginī was so overwhelmed that she fainted immediately. The king, accompanied by his entire army, proceeded to the threshold where the palanquin had been placed. But when they arrived, they discovered the palanquin was no longer there, and so they hastened away with great urgency. The king stationed half of his army and personally returned home. Upon reaching the Sūkara field, both parties arrived, fully prepared for renewed battle. Their armies joined, and a mighty and tumultuous battle broke out, dreadful and terrifying to behold. As darkness enveloped the night, fear gripped those present. The heroes, led by Pradyota, advanced toward the threshold. In the midst of the conflict, Dhundhukara struck Pradyota in the heart with his arrows, felling him. Witnessing his brother’s death, the powerful Vidyota rushed forward, but he was struck down by three spears and collapsed, unconscious. Then Krishna Kumara, mounted on a mighty elephant, charged swiftly into the fray. He was pierced by an arrow and, dying, ascended to the city of heaven. Ratnabhānu, a great hero, fought alongside him, and soon Lakshana, with those two, engaged fiercely in battle. Wielding weapons empowered by Rudra, Lakshana was confounded by their might. Together, they overcame King Dhundhukara and his Vaishnava allies. At last, both heroes, equal in valor and strength, stood atop their elephants, facing each other in the thick of battle.