Then, the valiant Lakshana approached the blessed Lord Vishnu, the husband of Usha, with utmost reverence. Within half a lunar month, Vishnu—the Lord of the Universe and consort of Usha—responded to Lakshana’s plea. Bowing humbly before the supreme deity, Lakshana spoke with a mind full of humility and devotion. Hearing Lakshana’s words, Jagannatha, Lord of the Worlds, drew forth power from the mighty elephant Airavata. Empowered thus, Lakshana mounted Airavati and returned to his home in royal splendor. Meanwhile, heroic warriors—beginning with Talanada—were intoxicated with pride and camaraderie. Out of great affection, they chose to dwell together with Lakshana. They said to him, “Hear us, O King. We are going to our cities; granting authority to our sons, we will then return to you.” Thus addressed by the king, these heroes went back to their own homes. Talanada, the valiant, entrusted the illustrious city of Varanasi to his sons, Karina and Sulalita. By the command of his sons, Talanada—beloved even among the rakshasas—acted accordingly. Likewise, the two sons of Vasumat, who were themselves like kings and rulers, joined in. A fierce and terrifying mare named Simhini was given as a gift, along with Indradatta, the delightful five-sounded great elephant. Surya bestowed a horse named Papihaka, remarkable for its human-like voice. These three heroes, united, entered the great city together. Their combined army numbered sixty thousand, with Talana as their lord. Protected by these mighty warriors, King Lakshana fulfilled his royal duties in all respects. Joined by Kaliya, Lakshana arrived at the auspicious bank of the Narmada River. There, with the assembled kings, he worshipped Pinakin, the god of gods. The king, with hands joined in devotion, invited the deity to grant a boon of his choosing. Mahadeva, pleased, replied, “So be it,” and at once vanished from the spot. Soon after, Mohanan, chief among all the armies, approached his father. He declared, “I will go with my forces to the sacred Ganga of pure waters.” He also spoke to his sister—a strong and radiant woman, filled with the desire for victory—who wore a necklace adorned with gems and pearls. Kaliya, accompanied by a hundred thousand horses, quickly set forth. After bestowing generous gifts upon the Brahmins, he journeyed to Jayachandrapuri. In Kanyakubja, however, the great necklace of immense value could not be obtained. Meanwhile, the mighty Śivadatta, blessed with strength, traveled to the beautiful city of Mahāvatī. There, he sought refuge in Rudra, the matted-haired Śambhu, the gracious giver of shelter. Departing from the city, he was accompanied and protected by three valiant warriors. King Vatsarāja, lord of Mahāvatī, possessed sixteen thousand horses. Soon, the root of conflict was lost, and a terrible destruction of heroes unfolded. For a day and night, a great and dreadful battle raged. In the end, the enemy army was slain, and the victorious warriors raised triumphant shouts again and again. Seeing this, O brāhmaṇa, King Kāliya fled in all directions. Yet, holding Mahādeva firmly in his heart, he seized a bewildering arrow. The remaining enemies gathered together, intent on destroying their foes. At that moment, Bhīṣmasiṃha, perceiving the peril, roused the soldiers for battle.