Then, the king of the earth gathered many ornaments, adorning himself in regal splendor. Yet, when asked about the whereabouts of King Lakshana, he declared, “The king named Lakshana is not in my prison.” To prove his words, he led them and revealed that part of Krishna which was present in the house, offering evidence of his truthfulness. Hearing the king’s words and realizing their truth, Krishna’s portion was overcome with deep distress. Soon, news arrived that Krishna himself had come. Kamapala, though strong, was filled with both awe and fear. With joined palms and bowing low, he spoke humbly: “My daughter is lotus-faced, adorned with auspicious marks.” Hearing these words, Krishna’s portion, accompanied by his forces, responded: “O king, your brother bears the marks of a Padmī.” He added sorrowfully, “I do not know where the king, who is as dear to me as my own life, has gone upon this earth.” Overwhelmed with grief, he cried out, “Alas, O son of Ratnabhānu, devotee of Vishnu, bestower of auspiciousness!” and, beloved by the Vaishnavas, fainted away. At that moment, the goddess Svarṇavatī, along with her attendant Śobhā, came forth. Śobhā, skilled in the magic arts of the mlecchas, was dispatched on a mission. She addressed those present, saying, “Hear, O foremost of kings: your royal couple has been taken away—but by whom, and where, is unknown. Āhlāda is the valiant one on the moon, and the god Tālana is mighty.” Having spoken, the courtesan Śobhanā assumed a yogic form. She led forth the great warriors, disguised as ascetics, at the front of their search. Āhlāda rode upon an elephant, Indula mounted the fierce Karāla, and Krishna’s portion mounted Bindula, making the horse dance with skill. They searched tirelessly through a magical region, vast and stretching a hundred yojanas, seeking the king with auspicious marks. Yet, they did not find him there. Again, Śobhanā, accompanied by these warriors, traveled to the city of Mayūra. Still searching, she went on to the village of Innagaḍha among the people, and then to the splendid city of Bahlika, always accompanied by her companions. After their search, they returned to their own land. There, Śobhanā honored Bahlika—now inhabited by foreigners—and devoted herself to singing and dancing. In the midst of these efforts, a god, filled with joy, emerged from the depths of the earth. He revealed, “I was placed in the pit of the earth by Kālāgni Rudra.” Hearing this, Śobhā herself became despondent. She returned once more to Svarnavati and recounted everything to Dita. Seeking solace, Suvarnangi offered comfort and worshipped Chandika. When night fell and darkness descended, she went to Jagadambika, seeking blessings. At this time, there was a woman named Padmini, beloved of Manideva. Manideva was renowned as the commander of Kubera. Padmini approached the god of gods, the consort of Uma, and for a hundred years she waited in devotion. At last, Mahadeva spoke to her: “You will obtain a portion of Nakula and, enjoying great happiness through him, you will be reunited with your husband and return once more to Kailasa.” Mahadeva also decreed, “Sharada, for the protection of the realm, will go to the delightful city of Mahavati. There, she will establish a protective measure on earth for the safety of the village. And you, Svarnavati, shall go to Kailasa, the hidden abode of the Yakshas.” Upon hearing these words, Svarnavati sought out Padmini. She journeyed to the house of Kamapala and took up residence there. When Padmini departed from that house, an auspicious writing was discovered. Understanding the divine will, Krishna’s portion, accompanied by an army of one hundred and twenty thousand, prepared for what was to come. At his side, the powerful Kamapala gathered his own mighty force—an army of three hundred thousand—ready to support the cause.