Bala, Prabala, Subala, Balavān, and Balī—these five were noted for their strength and valor. In those days, there was a yakṣa named Karabha, servant of King Lallara, who, after five years, enjoyed the company of a maiden. Meanwhile, Mūlavarmā summoned the king of the earth along with his entire army for a significant occasion. In a spirit of generosity and in accordance with Vedic rites, Mūlavarmā gave his auspicious daughter, Prabhāvatī, to Nṛhara. Within a mere fortnight, the yakṣa Karabha arrived at that place, causing unrest. Upon his arrival, the king of the earth was filled with sorrow, for his two sons, the Vatsaja, though very powerful, could not dispel his anxiety. Hearing of these events, Kṛṣṇāṃśa approached Karabha, the yakṣa-servant. The two brothers came together and, with a sword, cut the nāga-bond, thereby freeing what had been bound. The king of the earth, his mind now pleased, joyfully entered the threshold, his worries lifted. Sūta then spoke: In Kashmir, there was a king of great renown named Kaikaya. This king was a man of intense desires, sometimes passionate, sometimes detached, and often shameless in his pursuits. Kaikaya summoned the lord of the land and spoke these words: “There is a Gandharva named Sukala, and my daughter’s name is Śubhānana. On the full moon, Sukala, fond of Citraratha, arrives. O best of kings, you must kill him; you ought to proceed to the threshold.” Hearing this request, the lord of the land set forth with a hundred thousand soldiers. In the month of Vaiśākha, during a most auspicious birth, the valorous Sukala appeared. Heroes intoxicated with pride, those born outside the city, joined the fray. The lord of the land, frightened by the prospect of battle, meditated upon Śivā, the all-pervading goddess. Having awakened those of the Kṛṣṇa lineage, he joined forces with them. Together, they attacked the foremost Gandharva with their troops. The Gandharvas, numerous and mighty, fought back fiercely. At that moment, all were seized by fear and sought refuge in the lineage of Rāma. The king praised Śivā with the hymn of the day, and in response, the goddess appeared before them. When the Gandharva was defeated, the Kṛṣṇa lineage, enchanting the people, brought peace and joy to all. In the sixteenth year of the Kṛṣṇa lineage, devoted worship of the goddess was observed. The king’s wife was Nāgavatī, the beautiful daughter of Takṣaka. They had ten daughters, the most beautiful-faced among them being Śubhānana. The king summoned his priest and sent him to the king of the earth with a message. Upon hearing this, the king of the earth, now commanding three hundred thousand troops, prepared for what was to come. At the proper time, the king’s son requested his father, “Give me the serpent ornament.” Hearing this, Nagavarma came to the king of the earth. The king, thus addressed, was astonished and deeply distressed. Perceiving the king’s state, Ahlada, surrounded by fifty valiant men, took action. They brought forth mares capable of traveling a hundred yojanas each and, in pairs, could cover a thousand yojanas in a single day and night. These horses were born from portions of the moon and were akin to the steeds of Hari himself. Among them was the steed named Gayatra, who set the wheel of time in motion, and the power called Harini, both descended to earth from a portion of the moon. Ahlada, stationed in Karala, and Bindulastha, a portion of Hari, went to the king of the earth. They bowed respectfully and ascended the lofty seat. They addressed the king, saying, “Three of my sons, valiant men, have been married by you.” Hearing this, Ahlada went to the excellent surface of the earth. At last, a message was delivered: “Your husband, Pundarika of auspicious face, is asleep.” Thus, the tale unfolds, woven with valor, divine intervention, and the intricate bonds of family and duty.