A stone-formed, swift, and mighty force arose on the battlefield, devastating the armies of the enemy with its unstoppable power. Amidst these events stood a beautiful and divine forest, cherished and worshipped even by the gods themselves. In this sacred place, Kṛṣṇāṃśa, deeply afflicted by the stirrings of love, listened intently to the words spoken around him. His heart was moved, and he became lost in emotion. Devasiṃha, wise and discerning, realized that a veil of delusion had descended upon Kṛṣṇāṃśa. Recognizing this, the two—Kṛṣṇāṃśa and Devasiṃha—became absorbed together in that altered state of mind. When the month drew to a close, Kṛṣṇāṃśa returned home and reported all that had transpired to the king. Under the influence of delusion, he began to praise the Mother of the Universe with great devotion. He called out, “Protect me, O Mother! I am tormented by Kāma; awaken Puṣpavatī!” He invoked her as the slayer of Mahiṣāsura, the bewilderer of Madhu and Kaiṭabha, the destroyer of Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa, and the one who burned Dhūmralocana. He praised her as the drinker of Raktabīja’s blood, ever terrifying to all demons, and as the destroyer of Niśuṃbha and Śuṃbha. Having thus extolled the goddess, Kṛṣṇāṃśa, the hero, rested on the supreme seat, and every day he worshipped the goddess who grants boons and removes fear. In this way, four months of the rainy season passed peacefully. When the season ended, in the dark fortnight of Kārtika, Kṛṣṇāṃśa departed, accompanied by the gods. He journeyed to the house of flowers and took up residence there. One day, Puṣpa, holding a beautiful necklace entwined with a portion of Krishna’s essence, went to the house of Puṣpavatī. When Puṣpavatī saw the exquisite necklace, crafted as if by the divine artisan Tvaṣṭar, she was filled with curiosity. She called out to her friend, “O great enchantress, tell me the truth before me.” Hearing this, Makaramda was seized with fear and replied, “Give me a promise of life, then I will tell you.” When assured of her safety, she revealed, “There is a most beautiful woman named Krishna, who enchants all the worlds; by her hand, this excellent necklace was made.” Upon hearing these words, the goddess Puṣpavatī herself was struck with wonder. Out of fear of Makaramda, the gods and other men on earth were also filled with apprehension. Hearing these dreadful words, Puṣpa too became afraid. Sensing this, Puṣpavatī gently asked, “What fear has come upon you?” Puṣpa replied, “Some man, deluded, will forcibly enjoy her.” Hearing this, the righteous Puṣpavatī declared, “Those who act improperly will surely go to the abode of Yama.” She then instructed, “Therefore, quickly bring that swing to me.” Accepting her command, the radiant Śūdra woman returned home. When the powerful portion of Krishna heard these pleasant words, she mounted the swing together with Puṣpa. At that moment, the goddess Puṣpavatī beheld the enchanting, dark-skinned woman and thought, “As this auspicious woman is, so is the man whom I have seen.” Then the one endowed with a portion of Krishna, the excellent son of the regional king, spoke to Puṣpavatī. Every day, a beautiful necklace was crafted for the purpose of worship. Once, as the hero set out slowly amidst the flowers, Puṣpavatī asked, “From where has this delusion come to you? Tell me at once, do not delay.” He replied, “I have seen an auspicious woman, endowed with beauty and youth.” Upon hearing this, Puṣpavatī spoke kindly to her, the one with a lovely face. “Then I will satisfy you with much wealth, O auspicious-faced one,” she said. Hearing these words, Puṣpā was filled with love.