Meanwhile, the valiant Sukhakhani, who was the younger brother, came into focus. In earlier times, Sukhakhani had performed sacred offerings to Agni, the god of fire, and through this devotion, he had obtained a magnificent, fiery arrow—an arrow empowered to annihilate his enemies. However, Balakhani, a mighty warrior, upon witnessing the destruction of his foes, became fearful—not of the battle itself, but of incurring the sin that comes with killing a Brahmin. To avoid this grave transgression, Balakhani cleverly assumed the form of a woman. With the remaining half a million soldiers having been slain, he made his way to Dehali. There, Camunda also appeared, taking on the guise of a woman. Observing this, the lord of the earth was filled with wonder and concern, pondering, “How will victory be achieved, and how will Sukhakhani survive these trials?” Their mother was Brahmi, renowned for her purity and unwavering devotion to her husband. Then, assuming the forms of Brahmin women, they journeyed to the house of Balakhani. By fortune’s grace, it was said, “Your two sons are great heroes, destroyers of enemies.” At this, Brahmi herself spoke, declaring, “The auspicious arrow belongs to Pāvaka, the god of fire.” With this knowledge, the messengers set off toward Dehali. Upon hearing these developments, the king sought the presence of Mahadeva, the great lord, consort of Uma. Sūta then continued the tale, saying: “O sage, in the southern direction there is a lake named Bindu. On its shore stood a village, vast and prosperous, stretching for a yojana. In this village lived a noble king, descended from the illustrious line of Vishvaksena. His spiritual power, born of celibacy, was concentrated in his head. With many sacrifices, he worshipped Prajapati, the lord of all creation. After ten months, a daughter was born to him—a girl who became the very abode of all virtues. When she reached the age of twelve, her beauty shone radiantly. At her father’s command, messengers summoned kings from far and wide, and soon, rulers from various lands arrived, each accompanied by their chief warriors. They all gathered in the village of Bindugadha, where a great festival was held. For the safety of all these assembled kings, the host king stationed his own army. He quickly surveyed the gathered monarchs, seeking one who bore auspicious marks. Among the assembled, there were forty and fifty kings, all surrounded by companions of fitting age and dignity. Upon seeing the one most like himself—surrounded by joyful supporters—the king approached. Then, the heroic Lakshana took the excellent hand of the maiden. But the earth-kings, with their mighty armies, were not content to let this pass unchallenged. Tālana, accompanied by a lioness, joyfully seized his iron club. Mounted on a great elephant that trumpeted five distinct sounds, Āhlāda brandished his spear. Kṛṣṇāṃśa, riding Bindulā, took up an excellent sword. The god among them, riding as he wished, wielded the Bhairava javelin. Lakṣaṇa, ever valiant, readied his bow and prepared the Vaiṣṇava weapons. For the space of a yāma—a quarter of the day—a fierce battle raged between these warriors and their followers. In the end, Śāradānandana journeyed to the village of Dehali and, as was proper, gave his daughter, along with wealth and grain. Meanwhile, the king arrived and spoke, “Ah, friend and great hero, what is your intention now?” It was then declared that Lakṣaṇa, who was devoid of dharma and associated with those of mixed castes, should have his residence abandoned by all who know and honor dharma.