At that moment, Balakhani arrived, leading an enormous army of one hundred thousand warriors. The sight of those prepared troops, assembled in the garden with their forces, stirred the air with anticipation. The king, distressed by the gathering might, was comforted by Krishna’s portion, who brought him joy and reassurance. Seizing command of the vast army, Balakhani became its lord. The army was grand: five thousand banners fluttered above, a thousand carpenters busied themselves, three hundred thousand horses stood ready, and ten thousand camels were prepared for duty. Tālana soon arrived and was appointed commander of the entire force. Balakhāni took charge of all the cavalry, while Kṛṣṇāṃśa became chief of the infantry. The king of the Malanas, after bowing respectfully, offered many gifts to the leaders. Only half a day had passed for those seeking battle, but the mighty warriors stationed their formidable army there, standing fearless. By the wise counsel of Devasiṃha, those yogis became established in their yogic powers at that time. Maḍḍudhārī shone with a divine radiance, and Tālana held the vīṇā in his hands. Standing before their mother, they danced, overwhelmed with love and devotion. Seeing her children so moved, their mother became enchanted, and they all experienced immense joy. After bowing to her, the group departed for the auspicious city of Māhiṣmatī. Accompanied by their messenger, they proceeded to the enemy’s house, intent on their mission. Kṛṣṇāṃśa, master of enchantment, rendered the queen unconscious. In her vision, she beheld the beautiful form of the supreme man, dark-bodied and radiant. When the woman thus arrived, Kṛṣṇāṃśa addressed her gently. She said, “O son of Devakī, if you will take my hand…” He replied, “So be it,” and, strong in resolve, took her hand. Meanwhile, the queen, afflicted and enchanted by the dance and song, spoke to the yogi: “Satisfied and enchanted, I will give myself to you.” Hearing this, the son of Vatsa praised her and accepted her. There, Kṛṣṇāṃśa danced while Balakhāni sang, filling the hall with joy. King Kaliya, together with his people, became deluded by the spectacle. Hearing the enemy’s words, mighty Balakhan declared, “Show me your skill, then I will be satisfied.” Upon hearing this, the excellent king made a hundred thousand preparations for the challenge. The courtesan, knowing her son’s delight and his attainment of yogic power, wept with joy; seeing her tears, he too, delighted, wept. Krishna’s descendant placed a necklace upon her neck in a gesture of affection. Then Simha announced, “I am Simha, who has come to avenge my father.” Hearing these words, Kaliya’s strength increased. He blocked the gate, intent on binding his foes. The Kshatriyas drew their swords and clashed fiercely with one another. Abandoning their father, they fled the house, but soon camped outside on the banks of the Narmada River. There, they built a strong bridge across the Narmada, its length spanning a nala. Balakhan, with his forces, besieged the entire city, causing the mansions of Mahishmati to collapse to the ground. The men, together with their families and principal possessions, gathered for safety. Kaliya stationed himself on Gajanika, atop an elephant named Panchashabda. His younger brother, Suryavarma, was accompanied by three hundred thousand horses, ready for battle. Thus, the stage was set for a momentous confrontation, with forces arrayed and destinies entwined.