O great queen, it was then that your maidservant—her name was Velā, renowned for her beauty—was mentioned. She was of humble birth and dark complexion, as the wise and noble king well knew. Therefore, I urged you to consider my words and do what you felt was right in your heart. Together with me, your son Brahmananda, strong and valiant, would soon seek a bride by approaching the king of the earth. Upon hearing this, the queen, her mind clouded by divine illusion, recounted everything to the king. After listening carefully, the king responded with cunning, for he was secretly intent on my downfall. When Malana heard the king’s words, she was filled with anger and declared to him, “Do as I say, O king, or I will give up my life!” Moved by her resolve, that very night King Parimala, holding his mother’s command as paramount, set out at dawn for Harinagara, accompanied by his maternal uncle. By evening, they arrived at the palace of the king of the earth. Entering within, Parimala’s heart was filled with joy as he beheld seven beautiful-faced women—the wives of his brothers-in-law. Among them, three were widows and four were still with their husbands. O Brahmananda, most fortunate one, listen closely: these women lamented, saying, “We have lost our husbands and are filled with sorrow. Let us have a co-wife; accept us, O charming one.” Hearing their plea, Brahmananda, mighty in strength, was gladdened. He reflected, “In ancient times, during the Satya Yuga, women were noble and wholly devoted to their husbands. But now, in the Kali Yuga, women are said to be base, seeking the company of others—so declared Devala and remembered by Asita. In Satya Yuga, a woman was called ‘faithful’; in Treta Yuga, she followed her husband onto the pyre. In Dvapara Yuga, she was considered of middling virtue if she remained faithful as a widow. Therefore, together with me, enjoy pure happiness. Adorn yourselves with ornaments and all manner of beautiful attire.” Seeing them, Malana’s son spoke boldly and without fear: “Your husbands were slain by my kinsman, and thus you are freed from them. Therefore, I will not accept you—this is my truthful vow.” Distressed, the women went to the king of the earth, weeping and pleading, “Give punishment to the wicked one, or we will end our lives!” Hearing their sorrow, the king of the earth approached Brahmananda, mighty in strength, and warned, “He who enjoys another man’s wife goes to the abode of Yama.” Hearing this grave pronouncement, Brahmananda, mighty as ever, saw the king’s terror and went to seek the counsel of Camunda. He asked, “How can their marriages be arranged? Tell us the truth in detail.” The bard then spoke: Having worshipped Tamasi, the power that deludes all, the king received from her a supreme armor, terrifying to all beings. Armed with this, he set out upon the earth. His wife, Pramada, bore him ten sons: Matta, Pramatta, Unmatta, Sumatta, Durmatta, Durmukha, Durdhara, Bahu, Suratha, and Viratha. Their sister, beautiful-eyed, was named Su, her form radiant and her eyes wild with intoxication. Maya Varman then approached, humble in mind, and said, “I will accomplish your entire task, without doubt.” Meanwhile, Kitava, dwelling within a cavern, abandoned her in the night’s terrible darkness and slipped away deeper into the cave by dawn. When Varmadeva was born, the king, overcome with pride, sent for Taraka, summoning him to the king of the earth.