He seized the crown from the general who sat high upon his elephant, asserting his victory. Then, addressing him, he said, “You are a Kṣatriya, the provider and protector for me, a Brāhmaṇa.” Hearing these words, the general, honoring the sacred relationship, respectfully offered him auspicious wealth. Weary from his efforts, the victor found the shade of a banyan tree and, overcome by exhaustion, rested there. Meanwhile, Vāmana, having received reports from his own messengers, learned the cause behind these events. At that time, when the divine horse was stolen, Jananāyaka awoke from his slumber. Discovering the mark of the horse’s hoof, he strode fearlessly to confront Vāmana. Vāmana, known to bring laughter among Kṣatriyas but fear to the earth, now became a subject of concern. “Otherwise,” it was said, “the portion of Krishna will surely destroy your city.” Alarmed by this grave threat, he resolved to surrender the city of Harinagara. A golden whip, adorned with many precious gems, was presented. Then the son of Parimala, subdued by the turn of events, addressed the king. Having spoken thus, the hero departed for the great city of Kanyakubja. There, he was challenged: “Who are you, arriving here on horseback, fearless best of Kṣatriyas?” He replied, “O great king, I have been sent by the Chandravamsha.” The powerful king, together with the Chandravamsha clan, received him. “Therefore,” he was told, “gather your own forces and bring Ahlada and others with you.” Thus addressed, Lakṣaṇa bowed respectfully to Jayachandra. Jayachandra, having heard all, summoned the leader of the people. “King Parimala, being cruel, has abandoned me, his own sovereign,” the leader lamented. Yet, considering his kinsman dear, Parimala had dismissed the guards. Hearing these words, Krishna’s portion humbly responded, “Thus, having abandoned you, the land has come under the king’s control. You know all dharmas; therefore, forgive the offender.” Upon this, King Jayachandra declared, “Go quickly, you and your clan—otherwise you are not permitted to stay.” At this, Krishna’s portion, the bewilderer of all, laughed and said, “O king, grant me what is to be given, and accept the due payment.” Thus addressed, the king felt embarrassed before Krishna’s portion. Then the heroic Sakula, marked by auspicious signs, and Ahlada set forth. They reached the city of Kuṭhāra, where they laid siege to the king’s fortress. The king, Lakṣaṇa of the Vāmana lineage, mighty and accompanied by an army tens of thousands strong, prepared for defense. Crossing the Yamunā river, they came to the field of Kalpa, with the heroic Lakṣaṇa, stronger than before, leading at the front. Together with his forces, he reached the lovely river Vetravatī. At this time, the valiant Cāmuṇḍa, commander of a hundred-thousand-strong army, appeared. A great battle ensued between the two sides, both equipped with missile-launchers. Into this fray came Raktabīja, swift and powerful, riding an elephant. Many warriors fell in battle, while others were routed and fled. Witnessing his own forces shattered, Tālana, armed with a heavy mace, struck the elephant, causing Cāmuṇḍa to fall to the ground. The hero, skilled in swordplay, now confronted Tālana, who brandished his deadly mace. Lakṣaṇa, rushing forward, struck his enemy with a well-aimed arrow. A thousand warriors, followers of Raktabīja and armed with swords, spears, and javelins, joined the fight. Though these brave ones were joyful at first, soon they were seized by fear of Raktabīja. Seeing their distress, Brahmānanda went swiftly to his own father, seeking counsel and support.