When the full moon rose, shrouded in darkness by Rahu’s eclipse, a momentous event unfolded on the delightful Himalaya mountain, whose slopes gleamed with precious minerals. In those days, after the mighty Ratnabhānu was slain, the valiant Netrasiṃha, struck by fear, found himself in a time of uncertainty. Twelve years passed, and then, with joy, the divine one bestowed the sacred ḍhakkā nectar. He presented this nectar to the king, speaking auspicious words: “O great warrior, your enemies will soon be destroyed.” With divine guidance, a city was constructed there, teeming with people from all walks of life. This city became renowned throughout Bhārata as Netrasiṃhagaḍha, watched over and protected by Netrasiṃha himself, as a father guards his son. Netrasiṃha, the king, arrived—powerful and skilled in all magical arts, thanks to the boon granted by Kāmākṣī. During his reign, he beheld a maiden of extraordinary beauty, her face radiant like the young moon. Adorned in dazzling jewels, she captivated him; so intense was his delight that he fainted and collapsed. Seeing him thus, the maiden too lost consciousness. Her companions, concerned, placed her on a swing and brought her near the king. Witnessing his relative in such a state, Kṛṣṇāṃśa, sorrowful, spoke words of wisdom: “Know that rajas is the nature of passion, and delusion arises from folly.” Hearing his brother’s counsel, Netrasiṃha cast aside his confusion and returned home. There, he worshipped the goddess Durgā, reciting the sacred Madhyacaritraka. Durgā, flawless and compassionate, enchanted the maiden with the prospect of marriage. Yet, when morning came, Netrasiṃha pondered deeply and again fell into great delusion. When the month of Pauṣa arrived, with auspicious omens and the sweet song of a parrot, he journeyed to the flower-garden within the grand city of Avati. There, it was revealed that his younger brother and kinsman, Ahlada, was a hero of great strength. Understanding this, he was encouraged to send a reply dear to the heart of the maiden. Upon hearing this, the valiant Udaya took up the excellent letter. Jambuka, the heroic king favored by Rudradatta, and the enemy blessed by Indradatta—his own father—were also mentioned. With this knowledge, Ahlada comforted the steadfast maiden. It was then told that Shuka, 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, the brave ones beginning with Talana mounted their respective vehicles. They crossed the land of Vanga and swiftly reached the Himalaya. The command was given: “Go, O hero, clad in armor, mounted on the fierce horse Karala. Mark the sign of battle upon your body and come to me with haste.” He entered the king’s assembly, surrounded by many valiant heroes. Addressing Netra-simha, the mighty king, he declared: “Guarded by seven lakhs of warriors, I have arrived in your kingdom. Therefore, quickly give your daughter to Ahlada.” Hearing these words, the king was overcome by anger and ordered the gates closed, seeking to imprison him. A hundred valiant warriors, armed with nooses and protected by the city lord, attempted to capture him. But the mighty one slew them all, seized the king’s crown, and ascended into the sky, victorious.