When the king, his heart weighed down by sorrow, saw the arrival of the newcomer, a sense of fear swept through my village, stirred up by mighty heroes, foremost among whom was one imbued with Krishna’s own portion. In this troubled time, the pure-hearted one—his mind absorbed in meditation upon the all-pervading Shiva—was approached for counsel. From a portion of Jishnu, there was born Brahmananda, a being of immense power. It was foretold that when Malana’s son would one day depart this world, leaving his body behind, a significant change would come. Even as these matters were discussed, the steadfast minister was summoned by the king and addressed with urgency. A plot was revealed: Brahmananda, the great hero and foremost of kings, would be deceitfully slain while alone, so that the conspirator might achieve his aim. Upon hearing this, the king, his mind now clear, spoke directly to the lord of the earth. Without delay, he approached Malana herself and informed her of all that had transpired. When these words reached the king, he bowed humbly in acknowledgment. Then, addressing the great queen, he spoke: “O noble one, your maidservant Velā is renowned for her beauty. Yet, as the great-souled king has heard, she is of low caste and dark complexion. Consider my words carefully and act as you find pleasing.” He continued, “Together with me, your son Brahmananda, who possesses mighty strength, shall soon obtain a wife by approaching the king of the earth.” Hearing this, the queen—her mind clouded by divine illusion—shared all that had been said. After listening, the king responded. Yet the king was exceedingly cunning and intent on bringing about my destruction. When Malana heard of this treachery, she was filled with anger and declared to the king, “Do as I command, or I shall give up my very life!” Moved by her words, that very night King Parimala, taking his mother’s command as the highest duty and accompanied by his maternal uncle, set out at dawn for the city of Harinagara. By evening, they arrived at the palace of the king of the earth. Entering within, Parimala was filled with joy at the sight of seven beautiful-faced women—the wives of his brothers-in-law. Of these women, three were widows, while four still enjoyed the company of their husbands. One among them addressed Brahmananda, saying, “O greatly fortunate one, listen closely: though we have lost our husbands, we are consumed by sorrow. Allow us to have a co-wife; accept us, O charming one.” Hearing this, Brahmananda—mighty in strength—felt delight. He then spoke of the ages: “In ancient times, during the Satya Yuga, women were noble and wholly devoted to their husbands. But in the Kali Yuga, women have become base, seeking the company of other men; this was declared by Devala and remembered by Asita. In Satya Yuga, a woman was called ‘faithful’; in Treta Yuga, she entered her husband’s pyre. In Dvapara Yuga, she was of middling virtue, a widow who remained faithful. Therefore, now, together with me, enjoy pure happiness. Adorn yourselves with all manner of ornaments and beautiful forms.” But seeing them, Malana’s son spoke boldly and without fear: “Your husbands were slain by my own kinsman, and thus you are freed from them. Therefore, I cannot accept you—this I speak truly, truly.” In great distress, the women went before the king of the earth, weeping and pleading, “Give punishment to the wicked one, or else we shall give up our lives!” Hearing their anguished cries, the king of the earth approached Brahmananda, mighty in strength, and issued a stern warning: “He who enjoys another man’s wife is destined for the abode of Yama.” Upon hearing this terrible pronouncement, Brahmananda, powerful and resolute, saw the king gripped by fear. With calm determination, he went to seek the goddess Camunda.