Her daughter, filled with resolve, took up a sword and confronted the mighty-armed Balakhani. Alongside her, Talanam, Devasimha, and Rama’s portion engaged in the fray. With swift skill, she bewildered Krishna’s portion by conjuring powerful illusions, seized him, and, in a decisive act, cast his head onto the funeral pyre. At that moment, a mysterious voice resounded, addressing Balakhani: “Hear, O Balakhani! The fruit of such sinful deeds must be experienced in marriage by the one who has committed them.” The soldiers, their purpose fulfilled and hearts filled with great joy, gathered and returned to the great city. Afterwards, they journeyed back to their own city. O sage, what happened then? In the month of Jyeshtha, they arrived home, their return celebrated with the sound of many musical instruments. Hearing the commotion, King Parimala summoned his victorious sons and warriors. Thus informed, the king gathered the mighty army of Balakhani and addressed them: “Receive from me wealth equaling half a crore, and be happy. Each year, O powerful ones, take that wealth.” When Krishna’s portion reached the age of thirteen, on the thirteenth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra, Ahlada set out with his younger brother. During the dark fortnight, Bindula—the son of Vatsa—mounted his chariot and took his place in Harini. After two days, the four of them arrived at the sacred field of Gaya, accompanied by hundreds of elephants, adorned chariots, cows, gold, jewels, and various fine garments. Meanwhile, Lakshavati, a courtesan, journeyed to the hermitage at Badarika. When the full moon appeared, eclipsed by Rahu and shrouded in darkness, all this took place upon the delightful Himalaya mountain, adorned with many minerals. In that time, when Ratnabhānu was slain, the valiant Netrasiṃha was overcome by fear. After twelve years, the god, filled with joy, bestowed the ḍhakkā nectar. He presented this nectar to the king and spoke auspicious words: “Your enemies, O great warrior, will soon be destroyed.” Thereupon, a city was built, filled with people of all kinds. It became renowned throughout Bhārata as Netrasiṃhagaḍha. Netrasiṃha, like a beloved son, protected the city with great care. That king—Netrasiṃha, strong and skilled in all magic by the boon of Kāmākṣī—arrived there. He beheld a beautiful maiden, her face radiant like the young moon, adorned with every jewel. At the sight of her, delight overwhelmed him; he fainted and fell to the ground. Witnessing this, the maiden too lost consciousness. Her companions gently placed her on a swing and brought her near the king. Seeing his relative in such a state, Kṛṣṇāṃśa, filled with sorrow, spoke: “Know that rajas is of the nature of passion, and delusion arises from folly.” Hearing his brother’s wise words, Netrasiṃha abandoned his delusion and returned home. He worshipped Durgā, reciting the Madhyacaritraka. The goddess, faultless and compassionate, enchanted the maiden for the purpose of marriage. Yet, upon waking in the morning and reflecting, Netrasiṃha again fell into great delusion. When the month of Pauṣa arrived, auspicious omens appeared, accompanied by the sweet song of a parrot, foretelling new beginnings.