O brāhmaṇa, thus has the auspicious tale of Krishnamsa been told to you. Now, listen further: On the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Īṣa, the king held a grand festival. He honored the foremost brāhmaṇas with food and bestowed generous gifts upon them. It was in the sacred month of Kārtika that Krishnamsa, endowed with great strength, assembled tens of thousands of heroic warriors and gold objects numbering ten thousand. Amidst these celebrations, Citrarēkhā arrived. In the midst of the Ganges itself, a splendid vehicle—wondrously fashioned by illusion—appeared. Kings from many lands, eager to witness this marvel, gathered there, each accompanied by hundreds of their own warriors, all drawn to behold the spectacle. Citrarēkhā, the enchanting daughter of the king of Vahika, was there as well. In a delightful dream, she had shared happiness with Krishnamsa. Recognizing him as the son of Ahlada, born from the body of Abhinanda, she approached. During the beautiful svayamvara, Citrarēkhā seized Krishnamsa and, filled with supreme joy, departed with him. Krishnamsa, realizing what had happened, found he could not see his own child. Even Devasimha, who was wise in the ways of time, was bewildered by the wondrous illusion that had unfolded. Seeing Devasimha’s astonishment, the powerful Krishnamsaka was moved. Hearing Devasimha’s weeping, the wicked king there, after crying intensely, spoke in a humble manner. He revealed, “Your brother named Udaya, having deluded the two with intoxication, accomplished this before my very eyes.” Yet even with discernment, Devasimha could not fully grasp what had been done by Udaya. Meanwhile, the two heroes who had been affected by these events arrived, engaged in weeping. Ahlada, having understood with certainty and heard the king’s words, was troubled. His mother, wife, and sister, afflicted by love and sorrow, were left unaware, for the hero remained bewildered by the wondrous illusion. Queen Pushpavati, seeing her husband tormented by his brother’s deeds, was deeply pained. Though Krishnamsa was without fault, he suffered great reproach. In that moment, it was said: “Death and abandonment are to be regarded as equal; consider what is proper with discernment.” The king then summoned the outcastes and ordered that the slayer of his own son be bound. He commanded, “Pluck out his eyes and bring them to me together, all of you.” Devasimha, desiring to avert this, went and gave the outcastes a great sum of wealth. Meanwhile, the wife of Balakhana, Gajamukta, remained devoted to her husband. The outcastes gathered and delivered the accused to Mriganetra, saying, “Shame on you, sinner, wicked one! My friend has been harmed by you.” However, they revealed, “Your son is alive on the earth; go in search of him.” So, the hero departed for the auspicious city called Shirishā. Having taken leave of Gajamukta, the couple proceeded on their way, unafraid. At this time, Makaranda, powerful and wise, learned the full cause of these events. He worshipped dharma with various sacrifices and hymns. The daughter of King Abhinandana was Citraprapūjinī. Of Kesariṇī, it is to be known that her teacher was Kutuka, who had assumed the form of a yogin. The land they traveled was difficult to approach, made perilous by enemies and hostile stones. Jayanta was seized by Citralekhā, the king’s daughter, while Indula remained there, sorrowful and bewildered by her wondrous magic. Then, O god, a portion of Krishna, together with Sūryavarman, you are to approach Citralekhā and join in dances and such with them. Enchant that goddess and recite her auspicious doctrine. Having spoken thus, the god vanished, leaving the king filled with wonder at all that had transpired.