Intoxicated with pride and valor, the warriors made their way to the city of Vīrasiṃha, a place guarded by the yogin Gorakha, who was devoted to service. Pravīra, the king’s younger brother, led countless troops into battle. Each day, this mighty hero slew thousands of enemy warriors, his mind growing serene through worship; thus, he revived the morale and strength of the king’s army. The fierce struggle endured for a month and a half, as the powerful warriors clashed ceaselessly. Amidst this turmoil, they sought counsel: “O king, tell us truly, how shall we attain victory?” Their challenge lay in overcoming Gorakha, the yogin, who was at that moment dancing. In response, those led by Kṛṣṇa assumed a form composed of yoga, preparing themselves for the task ahead. At dawn, they went to Gorakha’s temple. Devasiṃha played the mṛdaṅga, another held the vīṇā, and someone else kept the rhythm, filling the air with music. Gorakha, master of all yoga, focused his heart on the purpose of their visit. The warriors bowed to him and requested, “If you wish to grant a boon, please give it.” Hearing this, Gorakha meditated deeply, his mind clear, and replied, “Afterwards, having become free of impurity, he will come to me.” He then declared, “From today onward, O hero, I have renounced this world.” Having spoken thus, Gorakha vanished and appeared on the battlefield, where he slew ten thousand soldiers and plundered his adversary’s house. Moving on to the land of Kosala, he conquered its king and joyfully collected a tribute of sixteen years and a hundred million coins. On the auspicious day of Holika, Lakṣaṇa’s power increased even further. At that time, the sages and the king, absorbed in meditation, bathed at all the sacred places and performed offerings to satisfy the twice-born and the deities. Thus, the conquest of the directions was accomplished. On the seventh day of the dark fortnight, the mighty king of the earth took action. It was said that his son was offered to Śāradāvara. The vassal, honored by the king, summoned his son, Cāmuṇḍa, and spoke: “Son, always perform the king’s duty, for you delight in battle.” Cāmuṇḍa replied, “O king, give me your command; you will quickly attain victory. Having cut down my śirīṣa forest, take possession of the excellent kingdom. If you conquer Balakhāni and offer it to me…” With these words, he summoned Raktabīja and his own army. After three days of travel, they reached the place called Śirīṣa. Hearing of Cāmuṇḍa’s arrival, the mighty Balakhāni, with an army of a hundred thousand, marched out from the city, accompanied by his younger brother, the valiant Sukhakhani. Balakhāni, mounted upon a pigeon, unleashed destruction upon the enemy’s forces. A great battle ensued between the two sides, bringing devastation to both armies. When morning came, after performing rituals of bathing and purification, Balakhāni climbed into his chariot, while Cāmuṇḍa rode upon the back of an elephant. They fought fiercely, severing arrows with arrows, joyfully devoted to the goddess, wielding sword and shield. As many drops of blood as fell from Raktabīja’s body, from each drop arose fierce warriors, maddened by intoxication. Balakhāni engaged them all in battle, undaunted by their numbers.