He journeyed to the flower-garden nestled within the grand city of Avati. There, it was known that his younger brother and kinsman, Ahlada—renowned for his great strength—was present. With this knowledge, he was urged to send a message to her, one that would be pleasing to the heart. Upon hearing these words, the heroic Udaya took up the excellent letter, preparing to deliver it. At the same time, Jambuka, the valiant king blessed by Rudradatta, and my own father—an enemy favored by Indradatta—were of such formidable character. Knowing all this, Ahlada offered comfort to her, who remained steadfast and unwavering in heart. There was also Shuka, who in a previous life had been a serpent, cursed by Pundarika. When this delightful Shuka passed away, the goddess Svarnavati was affected. Then, as the month of Magha arrived, on the fifth day of its dark fortnight, a group of valiant heroes—beginning with Talana—mounted their respective vehicles and set out. Crossing the land of Vanga with great speed, they reached the mighty Himalayas. “Go forth, O hero,” they urged, “armed with your armor and astride the fierce horse Karala. Having marked yourself for battle, come to me swiftly.” He proceeded and soon beheld the king’s assembly, where many valiant warriors had gathered. He addressed the foremost of kings, Netra-simha, mighty in strength, saying, “Guarded by seven lakhs of warriors, I have entered your kingdom. Therefore, quickly give your daughter to Ahlada.” Hearing this bold proposal, the king, inflamed with anger, ordered the gates closed to imprison the messenger. A hundred valiant warriors, nooses in hand and protected by the city lord, rushed forward. But the mighty one slew them all, seized the king’s crown, and ascended into the sky. News of this reached Netra Simha, who, with a tranquil mind and accompanied by seven hundred thousand men, prepared for war. He was joined by the mountain kings, who brought a thousand elephants and a hundred thousand powerful horses. Yogasimha, with his elephants, challenged the enemy army, while Vijaya and the prince, along with all the assembled kings, stood ready. A great and terrible battle erupted between the two armies, and two hundred thousand enemy soldiers, defended by mighty heroes, were struck down. As their army faltered, four intoxicated warriors revived their forces with the resounding beat of the dhakka drum, as if infusing them with nectar. Again and again, the foremost of the Bhrigus stepped forward to face the battle. For seven days, the conflict raged on, becoming dreadful and terrifying for the faint-hearted. Yet once more, as if brought back to life, the warriors struck down the enemy soldiers. Despairing of victory, they sought refuge with Krishna’s portion. There, Krishna’s portion, standing upon a divine horse, offered them comfort and reassurance. At this time, I approached you, O beautiful one, as you stood upon the palace terrace, resplendent and worthy of refuge, radiant like Kamakshi herself. I recounted to you all that had transpired in the great battle. Then you said, “O Simha, go to the temple of Kamakshi. With the music of the dhakka drum, worship the fulfiller of all desires.” Afterward, having defeated the remnants of the enemy army in battle, our foes fled. When the enemy, together with the sons of Netra-simha, was vanquished, on the ninth day, the goddess Svarnavati spoke to her father: “By whose grace, O lord, did you achieve victory over those so difficult to conquer?” Hearing this, her father replied, “Such a dream was seen by me.” Thus instructed by her father, the daughter, following his command, acted during the night as he had directed.