The Sun, radiant lord of the heavens, graciously agreed and gifted a papihaka bird to the seeker. From that moment, the one named Papihaka was appointed as the guardian and protector of the worlds. Overpowered by longing, he united with her, and from their union were born noble horses. In time, from the doe were born Megha, Pushpa, and Balāhaka—four in all—each with a divine form, who had previously manifested as mighty beings. Thus, O sage, this wondrous tale has been recounted to you. Now, listen further to the auspicious story. To Devasiṃha, the strong one, a horse was given, fulfilling his heart’s deepest wish. To his son Brahmananda, the city of deer was bestowed. Balakhani, mounting a beautiful white mare, rode forth with joy. In his valor, he slew the tiger, a creature terrifying to all living beings. Meanwhile, Brahmananda, in the vast forest, brought down the deer. At that time, the goddess Sharada, her face radiant with beauty, appeared. All who beheld her were enchanted, and, overcome by her allure, struck her with their own arrows. The heroes, led by Ahlada, were left astonished by what transpired. Afflicted and fearful, the goddess retreated into the depths of the forest. There, she assumed her true divine form and spoke: “Whenever you are beset by fear, remember me always.” Having imparted this blessing, the auspicious goddess Sharada vanished from their sight. Witnessing the valor of his warriors, the king was filled with joy. As spring blossomed, they journeyed to a delightful pleasure garden, where they observed vows and sacred practices in honor of Mādhava, beloved of Kṛṣṇa. They made offerings with flowers, incense, and lamps, following the rites suited to the season. Their sustenance came only from roots, tubers, and fruits, ensuring that no living being was harmed. Pleased by their devotion, the goddess granted them a beautiful boon. She bestowed upon the god the knowledge of time, and upon the king the knowledge of Brahman. Their purposes fulfilled, they returned to their homes. In due course, a son was born to her—a dark-complexioned child, bearing the marks of auspiciousness, who was a portion of Sātyaki. When the month of Āṣāḍha arrived, a portion of Kṛṣṇa himself, the horse-borne one, took birth. As he beheld the beautiful city, thriving with all four social orders, he gave gold generously to the twice-born, satisfying both Brahmins and the gods. He respectfully bowed to his wise maternal uncle and the other elders of the assembly. Then, at the king’s command, the warriors prepared for imprisonment. Deceiving the king, the wicked-minded ruler carried out his plans. Meanwhile, the hero was awakened by the divine power of Māyā. Mounted on his horse, the mighty warrior slew five hundred foes, reached the earthly city, and, weary, set his mind on drinking water. At the well, he saw noble women drawing water, their beauty captivating him as they moved with enchanting grace. Strengthened, he went to the forest, conquered his enemy, and bound both adversaries. Hearing words of sorrow, he abandoned his own city and departed. When word of these events reached King Parimala, the king responded by giving wealth to the twice-born, honoring them with gifts. Thus, the story unfolds, filled with divine interventions, valor, and the blessings of the gods.