The king of the earth was a mighty ruler, commanding an army of one hundred and sixty thousand warriors. When the fifteenth day of the dark fortnight arrived, those who were steadfast in their vows gathered together. At this time, Maya Varman observed Taraka, who was accompanied by many kings. Among them was Kitava, renowned for his intelligence and fame within the Daitya lineage. These princes, who had assembled for the sake of Maya Varman’s son, were slain. Their wealth was plundered in numerous ways, and the conqueror, intoxicated by his victories, departed. When news of these events reached the king of the earth, he set out, bringing with him his entire army. Yet Kitava, skilled in magic, defeated all the mighty warriors who opposed him. Distressed by these defeats, Taraka turned his mind to deep meditation upon the supreme Shankara. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Mahavati arrived on the scene. The king of the earth, witnessing the strength and size of the assembled armies, beheld a formidable sight. In the midst of these events, Taraka was ultimately destroyed by the Dānava, who used deceit to achieve his end. Upon hearing of Taraka’s fate, the steadfast ones—Kṛṣṇāṃśa and the lion among the gods—prepared for battle. Warfare raged day and night, and their adversary, having bewildered the army, roared again and again on the battlefield. In the thick of this conflict, the valiant Sukhakhāni overcame the powerful gambler. The three allies, now filled with happiness, offered praises to Sukhakhāni for his victory. Moved by his valor, the queen, daughter of the king, chose Sukhakhāni as her own. Addressing him with many words, she brought the king of the earth to meet him. The king, in gratitude, gave Sukhakhāni ten million gold coins. Balakhāni, who possessed great strength, was also present. Prabhāvatī, the king’s daughter, became the younger sister to ten sons: Bala, Prabala, Subala, Balavān, and Balī among them. In time, a yakṣa named Karabha, servant of King Lallara, came and, after five years, took pleasure with the maiden. Mūlavarmā then summoned the king of the earth and his army. Declaring his intention, he gave the auspicious Prabhāvatī to Nṛhara, and the marriage was conducted according to Vedic rites. Yet, within a fortnight, the yakṣa Karabha arrived there. This caused sorrow to the king of the earth, though his two sons, Vatsaja, were known for their great strength. Hearing of these troubles, Kṛṣṇāṃśa approached Karabha, the yakṣa-servant. The two brothers, united, cut the nāga-bond with a sword, and the king of the earth, his mind now at peace, entered his threshold joyfully. Then Sūta spoke: In Kashmir, there was a king famed by the name Kaikaya. He was a man of strong desires—sometimes passionate, sometimes detached, and utterly shameless. This king summoned the lord of the land and spoke thus: “There is a Gandharva named Sukala, and my daughter is Śubhānana. On the full moon, Sukala, fond of Citraratha, arrives. O best of kings, you must slay him; you ought to proceed to the threshold.” Hearing this command, the lord of the land set out with a hundred thousand soldiers. In the month of Vaiśākha, at an auspicious time, Sukala—named for his valor—appeared. There were also heroes born outside the city, intoxicated with pride. The lord of the land, filled with fear, meditated upon Śivā, the all-pervading. He roused those of the Kṛṣṇa lineage and joined forces with them. With his powerful troops, he attacked the foremost Gandharva. Many Gandharvas assembled and fought together with them, and thus the great battle commenced.