Devānanda, the son of a noble lineage, rose to attain a stature equal to that of his father, and his own son, Mauryānanda, likewise matched his father’s eminence. During this era, Kali remembered Hari, and Hari, having refined the Buddhist doctrine, arrived in the city. He ruled for twenty years, and from him was born Śuddhodana. After two thousand years had elapsed since the passing of the previous century, Śuddhodana became king, reigning for sixty years. In his time, all men were remembered as Buddhists. By the power of Viṣṇu, the universal dharma was established, such that even those of sinful conduct were described as possessing liberation. Chandragupta, Śuddhodana’s son, married the daughter of the city lord, and he too ruled for sixty years. Afterwards, Bindusāra was born. At that very time, a foremost Brahmin from Kānyakubja appeared, and through the power of Vedic mantras, four Kṣatriyas were born. Among them, the Trivedī, Śukla, and Atharvā became the protectors. Aśoka then took control, and all Buddhists were destroyed. In Avanti, King Pramara ruled over a region spanning four yojanas. The delightful city of Kaliṃjara became known as the place of lamentation, for the destroyer of Buddhists, having occupied it, was happy and powerful. The city of Ajamerapura, radiant with the splendor of order, flourished. A king named Shukla journeyed to the region of Anarta. Among those born from fire, the kings were honored with sovereignty. At this point, a message was addressed to the Brahmins: “All you Brahmins, go forth; I am now under the power of yogic sleep.” When two thousand years were completed, the Suta spoke these words. King Pramara ruled his kingdom for six years, and his son, born of Devapi, attained a position equal to his father. From him, Gandharvasena became king, ruling for fifty years. Shankha succeeded him, ruling for thirty years, and having obtained Gandharvasena, he begot a precious son. On this auspicious occasion, drums resounded, conches blared, and gentle winds blew, bringing delight to all. By performing karma-yoga with twenty acts, Shankha became favored by Shiva, who blessed him for the destruction of the Shakas and the increase of noble dharma. Shankha rejoiced in his son, whom he named Vikramaditya. When Vikramaditya reached the age of five years, he went to the forest to undertake austerities. Later, he traveled to the divine city of Ambavati, endowed with prosperity. Sent by Shiva, Vikramaditya accepted the position bestowed upon him. Once, this heroic king visited the sacred place of Mahakaleshvara, where he constructed a grand hall, filled with righteousness and arranged in an expansive layout. The hall was adorned with various trees and creepers, enriched with flowering vines, and the foremost Brahmins, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches, were summoned. Meanwhile, in that sacred place, a deity named Vetala appeared.