Then, between the two armies, a fierce and tremendous battle broke out. In the midst of this conflict, the brother and father took refuge with Padmini. Out of compassion for them, Padmini bestowed upon them a letter of disappearance. With this boon, they became invisible and, thus concealed, struck down the enemy forces with their own swords. Seeing their own ranks falling, the leaders of the opposing army abandoned the battle and sought refuge with the portion of Krishna. Granted divine sight, one among them approached Krishna’s portion and engaged him in combat. There, filled with joy and having received the auspicious mark, he bound his opponent and, thus blessed, became fearless. Afterward, the couple was presented to King Jayachandra. Jayachandra, powerful and resplendent, returned home during the bright fortnight of the eldest month, accompanied by his own wife and the portion of Krishna. Thus, O Brahmin, I have narrated to you the auspicious deeds of Krishna’s portion. Later, as the king of the earth sat in his assembly, he was approached by a radiant figure, one whose splendor rivaled the moon. Upon seeing this arrival, the king, weighed down by sorrow, confessed that fear had come to his village because of mighty heroes, beginning with Krishna’s portion. Thus addressed, the pure-hearted one meditated upon the all-pervading Shiva. From a portion of Jishnu was born Brahmananda, a being of great might. It was foretold that, when Malana’s son would depart from his body, certain events would unfold. As these matters were being discussed, the steadfast minister was addressed by the king. The king revealed that Brahmananda, the great hero and foremost of kings, would be deceitfully slain while he was alone, and thus the enemy would consider his purpose accomplished. Hearing this, the king, his mind clear, spoke to the lord of the earth. He then approached Malana herself and informed her of all that had transpired. Upon hearing these words, the king bowed in respect. “O great queen,” he said, “your maidservant is named Velā, beautiful in form. She is of a low caste and dark complexion, as the great-souled king has heard. Therefore, consider my words and do what pleases you. Together with me, your son Brahmananda, mighty in strength, can quickly obtain a wife by approaching the king of the earth.” Hearing this, the queen—her mind clouded by divine illusion—related everything, and after she finished, the king spoke. The king, exceedingly cunning, was intent on Brahmananda’s destruction. Hearing this, Malana, filled with anger, declared to the king, “Do as I say, O king, or I will give up my life.” That night, King Parimala, taking his mother’s command as paramount and accompanied by his maternal uncle, set out at dawn for Harinagara. By evening, they arrived at the palace of the king of the earth. Entering the palace, Parimala experienced great joy as he beheld seven beautiful-faced women, the wives of his brothers-in-law. Among them, three were widows and four were with their husbands. They addressed Brahmananda, saying, “O greatly fortunate one, listen attentively: we have lost our husbands and are filled with sorrow. Let her have a co-wife; accept us, O charming one.” Hearing these words, Brahmananda, mighty in strength, rejoiced. He reflected, “In ancient times, during the Satya Yuga, women were noble and devoted to their husbands. But in this Kali Yuga, as declared by Devala and remembered by Asita, women are base and enjoy the company of other men. In the Satya Yuga, a woman was called ‘faithful’; in the Treta Yuga, she entered her husband’s pyre; in the Dvapara Yuga, she was considered of middling virtue if, as a widow, she remained faithful.” Thus, the story unfolded, revealing the deeds of great souls, the changing times, and the complexities of virtue and fate.