By the command of the wondrous elephant-pearl, the wise commander ascended his war-chariot. The elephant-pearl itself was enshrined within the pavilion, its presence a sign of power and fortune. Gajasena, ever attentive, nourished the assembled warriors with divine foods, establishing their ranks—a hundred thousand strong—before setting out himself toward Rudrapura. That night, the warriors took their rest within iron fortresses, yet remained vigilant, prepared to strive with all their might. A warning echoed among them: "Quickly open the gate, or your lives will be forfeit." Upon hearing this, the commander swiftly ordered the hundred thousand warriors to their posts. But fate was harsh—those valorous heroes were struck down by weapons so fierce they could slay a hundred at once. As the battle raged, ten thousand fell—claimed by the share of Krishna. In this dire moment, Bindula, Krishna's portion, mounted his horse, rallying the survivors. Only eighty, together with their companions, remained, trembling with fear. The king, hearing of this calamity, was deeply shaken. Accompanied by his two sons, he sought to atone for his misfortune—according to sacred custom, he washed away his sin by giving his daughter in marriage. Laden with joy, he accepted sixteen camels of gold. As happiness returned to the household, the queen herself adorned her body with gold. With emotion, she declared, "O son, I was as one dead, but through you I have truly been revived!" Hearing his mother's words, Bindula, the hero, bowed before her with joy and spoke reverently. Joy filled the house, and King Parimala, wise and steadfast, was present to witness it all. In time, Krishna Kumara, the king, departed from this world, and Ratnabhanu ascended the throne. Overwhelmed with sorrow, the great king Ratnabhanu performed a hundred thousand Chandika rites, seeking solace and blessing. It was foretold that, year after year, seven children would be born from the limbs of Bhavishya. As these words were spoken, the queen conceived. In the second year, a child was born from the auspicious portion of Dushasana. Uddharṣāṃśa was called Saradana, and Durmukha was named Mardana. Varddhana, a part of Citrabāṇa, was born next, and then came Velā. At Velā's birth, the earth trembled violently; in the city, a strange rain fell—blood mingled with bone and sugar. The Brāhmaṇas gathered swiftly, performing all the sacred rites for birth and other ceremonies. Ilā, the mother of the moon, was born on earth in a peculiar manner, her arrival attended by omens and wonder. When the daughter was born, her father honored the Brāhmaṇas with the finest gifts. Twelve years passed, and the daughter blossomed, her complexion radiant. She proclaimed, "Whoever bathes me in the pavilion with streams of blood—" but before she could finish, the king, on a golden plate, composed a verse inspired by Velāmukha. Gathering together three hundred thousand in wealth and an army of a hundred thousand, the king set out for Sindhu and Āryadeśa. This powerful sovereign visited each king, and upon reaching his maternal uncle, he spoke these words. His uncle replied, "O hero, Brahmānanda is of great strength. What have you not known? The deeds of that one are renowned." Indeed, all were under the wise control of Brahmānanda. Upon hearing this, Tāraka quickly assembled his forces and set out. Taking Krishna with him, he spoke a verse with great speed. Then, silence fell over all, and Tāraka, together with the twice-born Brāhmaṇas, remained in quietude. In the auspicious month of Māgha, during the bright fortnight, on the thirteenth day, a grand assembly took place. Lakṣaṇa, accompanied by Satālana, led seven hundred thousand warriors. Āhlāda, who commanded an army of a hundred thousand, was graced with a portion of Krishna. Netrasiṃha, with his own force of a hundred thousand, was endowed with the enjoyment of yoga. Thus, the mighty lord presided over an army twelve hundred thousand strong, their ranks established and their purpose set, ready for whatever destiny would unfold.