King Ranadhira, having resolved his course of action, returned to his house with a quiet determination. But even as he departed, a cunning king approached him and spoke with sly intent, saying, “O King, this suitor is of Shudra origin—a source of confusion among the castes. Bind him in an iron prison, O lord of the earth.” The intrigue deepened, for Jambuka, a king, had been defeated by these conspirators, and so too had Netrasiṃha, another ruler. Āryasiṃha and other mighty kings, though strong, were likewise conquered. On the tenth day of the bright half of Māgha, a powerful warrior launched an attack on Balakhāni. He dwelled in the beautiful land of Pāñcālaka, within the city of Laharī. At the command of the king, heroes gathered for battle, and he ordered his own warriors once more into the fray. A fierce and terrifying battle erupted between the two armies. Aided by a portion of Krishna, the mighty warrior slew his enemies. Those valiant ones, though defeated and with only a handful of survivors, approached the battlefield once again, their skill with bow and arrow undiminished but their hearts filled with fear. Krishna’s portion, seeing them covered by a storm of arrows, looked upon them. He cut their bows and bound those who were proud in battle. When news of his sons’ captivity reached Laharā, the best of kings, he was moved to act. As the army became surrounded by water, Jayanta, stronger than the rest, led Laharā’s forces across many yojanas. At this moment, the blessed god Varuṇa, lord of the aquatic beings, intervened. Lahara, with a tranquil mind, recognized his own portion upon the earth. He bestowed great wealth in many ways and circumambulated repeatedly in reverence. Those portions, having received Lahara’s grand worship, were duly honored. Thus, O Brahmin, the auspicious deeds of Krishna’s portion have been recounted to you. Now, O foremost of Brahmins, you are asked to speak the truth, for you are regarded as all-knowing. The messengers went and reported all events as they had occurred, detailing the great battle that had arisen. Upon hearing that the troop of horses had been destroyed, King Parimala was stirred. He was urged, “You, endowed with strength, must go to the land of Sindhu.” Hearing this, Krishna’s portion, accompanied by Devasimha and ten thousand brave warriors, assembled there. When morning dawned, the daughter of the garland-maker appeared. Krishna’s portion joyfully performed worship to the god, amid many wonders—flowers abounded, and the air was filled with the hum of intoxicated bees. At that time, Pushpa arrived to gather flowers. Her face was serene and peaceful, shining with the luster of an Indra-nila gem. Krishna’s portion, seeing this auspicious woman, was amazed and wondered whether she had descended from heaven or was herself a maiden of the serpent race. Hearing his wonder, the daughter of the garland-maker spoke: “With this flower, O king, the daughter of the king is equaled. Sought by the gods, the maiden is endowed with beauty and youth. Hear now, O king, the reason for this, and how Makaraṇḍa came to be. On earth, you are invincible by others except for Kṛṣṇāṃśa. He established a kingdom, a cloud of righteousness, dear to Hari. From the fire, he begot a pair, one with a beautiful face.