Hearing the summons, the king of the earth gathered the formidable army of Balakhani. With generosity, he declared, “Receive from me wealth amounting to half a crore, and be happy.” He assured, “Each year, O powerful lord, you shall receive this wealth.” When Ahlada reached the age of thirteen, during the strong phase of Krishna, on the thirteenth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra, he departed together with his younger brother. In the dark portion, Bindula, the son of Vatsa, mounted his chariot, situated in Harini. Four of them journeyed, and after two days, they arrived at the sacred field of Gaya. They were accompanied by hundreds and hundreds of elephants, splendidly adorned chariots, cows, gold, jewels, and various garments. Lakshavati, a renowned courtesan, made her way to the Badarika hermitage. When the full moon arrived, eclipsed by Rahu and shrouded in darkness, events unfolded on the delightful Himalaya mountain, adorned with various minerals. Ratnabhānu was slain, and the valiant Netrasiṃha was seized by fear. After twelve years, the god joyfully bestowed the ḍhakkā nectar. He gave this nectar to the king and spoke auspicious words: “Your enemies, O great warrior, will soon be destroyed.” At that place, he caused a city to be built, filled with people of all kinds. This city became renowned across Bhārata as Netrasiṃhagaḍha, protected by Netrasiṃha himself, as a son before him. Netrasiṃha, the mighty king, arrived—skilled in all magical arts by the boon of Kāmākṣī. Upon seeing a beautiful maiden whose face shone like the young moon, he was so delighted that he fainted and fell to the ground; seeing him, she too lost consciousness. Her companions, mounting a swing, brought her near the king. Witnessing his relative in such a state, Kṛṣṇāṃśa, full of sorrow, spoke: “Know that rajas is the nature of passion, and delusion arises from folly.” Hearing his brother’s words, Netrasiṃha abandoned delusion and returned home. He worshipped Durgā, reciting the Madhyacaritraka. The faultless goddess enchanted the maiden for the purpose of marriage. Yet, upon waking in the morning and reflecting, Netrasiṃha fell into great delusion once more. When the month of Pauṣa arrived, accompanied by auspicious omens and a sweet-voiced parrot, he went to the flower-garden in the great city of Avati. There, he was reminded, “O hero, your younger brother and kinsman is named Ahlada, mighty in strength. Knowing this, again give her a reply that is dear to me.” Hearing these words, the heroic Udaya took up the excellent letter. Jambuka, the heroic king, powerful and favored by Rudradatta, and his father, the enemy blessed by Indradatta, were also spoken of. Knowing all this, Ahlada comforted the steadfast-hearted maiden. That Shuka, who was once a serpent, had been cursed by Pundarika. When the delightful Shuka died, the goddess Svarnavati was invoked. As the month of Magha arrived, on the fifth day of the dark fortnight, events continued to unfold.