Thus addressed, the king of the earth was struck with astonishment and fell into deep distress. Perceiving his state, Ahlada, accompanied by fifty valiant men, swiftly made preparations. The mares they brought were extraordinary—each pair could traverse a hundred yojanas, and together, their strength was such that they could cover a thousand yojanas in a single day and night. These were no ordinary horses; they were born from portions of the moon, and some were steeds of Hari himself. Among them was the famed steed Gayatra, who set the very wheel of time in motion, and Harini, a power descended to earth from the moon’s essence. Ahlada took his place in Karala, and with him was Bindulastha, a portion of Hari. Together, they went before the king of the earth, offered their obeisance, and ascended the lofty seat. Addressing the king, they reminded him, “Three of my sons, all valiant, have been married by you.” Upon hearing this, Ahlada departed to the excellent surface of the earth. Meanwhile, he informed her, “Your husband, Pundarika of auspicious face, is asleep.” To this, she replied with dignity, “Pundarika is my husband.” Her words brought laughter, and she said, “We have no fear of your husband.” At that moment, the king—mighty among serpents—awoke. Seeing a dazzling poison, he meditated on all that is auspicious. Pundarika, serene of mind and adorned with the finest serpent ornaments, was undisturbed. Mounted on his horse, Ahlada presented the king of the earth with ten million gold coins, which he had received from the king himself, and then quickly departed. The skilled horses, masters of their art, returned home. Sūta then narrated: For five years, the king worshipped the two excellent celestial physicians. By their boon, ten sons were born to him. He summoned the king of the earth, who arrived with three hundred thousand troops. At that time, Sūryavarman took a newly-wedded wife. Karbura, a powerful magician and son of Vibhīṣaṇa, married the daughter of Madrakeśa, a woman of divine beauty. Yet, the king of the earth was greatly distressed, lamenting again and again. He sent Kṛṣṇāṃśa, who went and reported everything. Reaching Mount Sahyādri, Kṛṣṇāṃśa sought out Karbura. Vibhīṣaṇa, the king among devotees, spoke to his son: “You are my beloved. As you know, Sītā was once abducted by Rāvaṇa. Hearing this, Karbura replied, ‘This beloved one has always been dear to me. Separated from her, I abandoned the great city of Laṅkā; though I did not take the lovely beloved, I remained there for many days. Now, that auspicious lady named Kāntimatī has come under my control.’” Hearing this, Kṛṣṇāṃśa engaged in sword combat with Karbura, and then, reaching the threshold, returned to the king of the earth. The king, in gratitude, gave ten million gold coins to the great-souled Kṛṣṇāṃśa. For five years, he joyfully worshipped the Vasus. By their granting of boons, ten sons were born to the king, and for their marriages, he invited the mighty king of the earth. Bhima, the king’s son, obtained as wife the charming lady. At that time, the king, along with Sahoda, was residing in the land of the Pishachas. By the command of Bali, the mighty Daitya, he arrived at Kurukshetra, the auspicious place. There, the powerful and righteous king wrote a letter to the king of the earth, declaring, “You, the king of the Mlecchas, are prepared for Vidyunmala.” Having sent this message, he came to Kurukshetra with his force of three hundred thousand soldiers.