With deep reverence, the king Parimala approached the Lord and prayed, “If you are pleased, O Lord, grant me the divine mare.” Hearing his earnest plea, the blessed Indra appeared, bestowed the celestial mare upon him, and then vanished from sight. Yet, as Parimala grieved for his ancestors, he was struck by a mysterious affliction—a serpent-disease sent by Shiva himself as a test. Five months passed, and the king’s strength ebbed away, leaving him frail and weak. Sensing the end near, Parimala journeyed to the sacred city of Kashi with his devoted wife, seeking solace at the holy place in the face of death. Meanwhile, a certain serpent named Rudraahi dwelled at the root nearby. This serpent, observing the king’s suffering, spoke harshly, “You are merciless and dull-witted. This king is a fool—he would even drink molten copper directly! Every day I have delighted in the king’s body, but this fool has not even offered me warm oil.” Hearing these words, the king obeyed the serpent’s demand and offered warm oil, and by this act, he was freed from the serpent-disease. At that very place, a self-manifested linga appeared—eternal and shining, no larger than a thumb. At midnight, as darkness enveloped the world, this linga radiated light in all directions, rivaling the brilliance of the sun. Filled with devotion, the king recited the sacred Mahimna hymn, praising the Lord of Girija. Pleased by his devotion, the king addressed the divine presence, “If you are pleased, O great Lord…” Instantly, Mahadeva appeared in the form of the linga and granted his blessing. Malas, now satisfied, returned to his great house. When the year drew to a close, he journeyed to Jayachandrapuri. There, he was greeted with joy: “By fortune, your disease has been cured; by fortune, your face has been revealed. Whenever an obstacle arises for me, you must come to my aid.” Meanwhile, the valiant Lakshana approached the blessed Lord, the husband of Usha. Within half a lunar month, Vishnu, Lord of the Universe and husband of Usha, responded to his prayer. Lakshana bowed before the Lord and spoke humbly. Hearing him, Jagannatha drew power from Airavata, the celestial elephant, and bestowed it upon Lakshana. Mounting Airavati, King Lakshana returned home. At this time, heroes beginning with Talanada, proud and mighty, gathered together in great affection for Lakshana. They said, “Hear, O king, we are going to the cities; we will grant authority to our sons and then return to you.” Thus, with the king’s blessing, they departed to their own homes. Talanada, ever valiant, entrusted the city of Varanasi to his sons, Karina and Sulalita. By his sons’ command, the beloved Talanada—dear even to the rakshasas—acted accordingly. Likewise, the two sons of Vasumat, both rulers in their own right, joined in these deeds. As gifts, a fierce and terrifying mare named Simhini was presented, along with a five-toned, delightful great elephant called Indradatta. Another gift was a horse named Papihaka, given by Surya, unique for its human-like voice. These three heroes, united, entered the great city together. Their combined army numbered sixty thousand, led by the noble Talana. With such powerful allies and protectors, the king attained the fulfillment of his royal duties. Joined now by Kaliya, he arrived at the auspicious banks of the sacred Narmada, ready to continue his journey under the blessings of the gods.