In the depths of the great forest, Brahmananda slew a deer. At that very moment, the radiant goddess Sharada, her face resplendent with beauty, appeared before all present. So enchanting was her presence that those who beheld her, captivated and overcome, loosed their arrows at her. The heroes among them, led by Ahlada, stood astonished at what they witnessed. Afflicted by fear and distress, the goddess Sharada retreated into the heart of the forest. There, hidden from sight, she revealed her true divine form. With compassion, she spoke: “Whenever you are beset by fear, remember me always.” Having offered this reassurance, the auspicious goddess Sharada vanished from their midst. Witnessing the valor of his companions, the king rejoiced. In the joyous springtime, they all journeyed to a pleasure garden. There, they observed sacred vows and practices in honor of Mādhava, the beloved of Krishna, employing flowers, incense, and lamps suited to the season and performing every rite as prescribed. They sustained themselves only on roots, tubers, and fruits, careful not to harm any living being. Moved by their devotion, the goddess bestowed a beautiful boon upon them. She granted the knowledge of time to the god among them, and to the king, the knowledge of Brahman. Having fulfilled their sacred purpose, they returned content to their homes. In time, the goddess gave birth to a dark-complexioned son, marked with auspicious signs, who was a portion of mighty Satyaki. When the month of Ashadha arrived, another child was born—a portion of Krishna, the horse-borne hero. As he beheld the splendid city, vibrant with the four social orders, he distributed gold to the twice-born, delighting the Brahmins and the gods alike. With humility, he bowed before his wise maternal uncle and the elders of the assembly. By the king’s command, the warriors were gathered in preparation for imprisonment. Yet, the wicked-minded ruler, having deceived the king, initiated his own designs. At this time, the hero was awakened by the divine power of Māyā. Mounted upon his horse, the valiant warrior slew five hundred foes, entered the earthly city, and resolved to quench his thirst. At the well, he saw noble women filling their water pots, their beauty so striking that their actions were meant to enchant him. Yet, undistracted, he went to the forest, subdued his enemy, and bound them both with his might. When he heard sorrowful words, he chose to abandon his own city and depart. Upon learning of these events, King Parimala granted wealth to the twice-born. In the eleventh year, during the dark fortnight and a time of war-frenzy, he offered the proper tribute to his sister, driven by fear. His sister, seeing her brother’s distress, came to him. “Today, with my own forces, I will go to the great city,” she declared. Summoning the mighty Dhundhukara, she prepared for battle. Among their ranks were heroes mounted on horses and camels, all of them exceedingly strong. But Devasimha, wise in discerning the right moment, heard of the enemy’s approach. This news greatly agitated King Parimala, filling him with fear. “Today, together with Dhundhukara and his army, I will confront the great king,” he resolved. Having spoken and bowed in respect, he assumed command of the army, ready to face what destiny would bring.