On the beautiful island of Siṃhala, there lived the illustrious King Āryasiṃha, whose reign was adorned by seven renowned queens, each celebrated for their beauty and cherished as his dearest companions. Amidst the enchanting Nalinī ocean stood the auspicious temple of Girijā, radiating divine grace. There, Girijā beheld the king, Āryasiṃha, resplendent in the form of a swan. Captivated by his handsomeness, she remained for a year, delighting in various playful pastimes. As devotion and joy swelled into pride, Jagadambikā herself was pleased. Yet, for Āryasiṃha, who sought only happiness, a great sorrow soon descended. In the city of Laṅkā, dwelled Indula, famed for beauty. When dreadful tidings reached his ears, his entire family was plunged into lamentation. Witnessing their grief, Kṛṣṇāṃśa addressed Ahlāda, the eldest among them: “Listen, I shall bring Indula to you; you must remain steadfast.” With him were Balakhāni, Kṛṣṇāṃśa, Devasiṃha, Tālana, and other kings who had journeyed there, accompanied by village chiefs and regional rulers. Yet, all these intoxicated kings were subdued by the might of Tālana. Having worshipped Rāmeśa, the form of Śiva established by Rāma, they reached the Nalinī ocean and made their dwelling there. Soon, a threatening message was delivered: “O noble Āryasiṃha, surrender your sons who have crossed over; otherwise, I shall defeat you with my army and destroy your kingdom.” Hearing these words, the king, stronger than all, prepared for the challenge. Indula, invoking the mantra of immobilization, armed himself with the supreme arrow. That very day, Sukhaśarmā, accompanied by his three hundred thousand followers, entered the fray. As night approached, the mighty son of Indra arrived for battle, bringing a hundred sons and valiant kṣatriyas. Their horses were green, their attire that of ascetics; after reaching the house, they dwelled there happily together. For six long months, war raged between the two armies. Afflicted by mental distress, one became averse to further fighting. He summoned Devasiṃha, the wise knower of past, present, and future, a great yogi of tremendous strength. After listening, Devasiṃha spoke: “There is a certain son of Mahendra, skilled in all weapons and missiles, who comes at night and destroys the army. Therefore, with my help and that of Tālana, quickly secure victory; otherwise, you shall reach Yama’s abode.” Heeding these words, the horse-warrior arranged the army upon ships. There, the mighty one stationed half the army, and all the heroes, mounted on their horses, readied themselves for battle. They slew all the guards and plundered the splendid city. The powerful portion of Kṛṣṇa entered the king’s inner chambers, where a beautiful woman, skilled in song and dance, sat surrounded by seven attendants. Seizing her by force, he placed her on a palanquin and plundered the enemy’s house. Balakhāni, powerful and accompanied by Devatālana, confronted Sukhavarman, the commander of the enemy’s army and his own son. When this great hero was slain, Jayanta was seized by wrath. He revived his brother-in-law Sukhavarman and returned to his own house, astonished by these events. He then went to the house of Āryasiṃha, inquiring about all that had transpired. Overcome with passion and grief, the hero wept bitterly, crying, “Alas, my beloved!” After his lament, he mounted his mare and, alone and enraged, rode out at night to the enemy’s camp. At that very moment, the mighty hero Balakhāni arrived.