When Śrīda reached the tender age of five, he began to offer heartfelt praises, his devotion shining brightly even in childhood. The royal treasury overflowed on every side, filled with all manner of treasures, a testament to the kingdom’s prosperity. Among the people was the maiden Kiṃnarī, renowned as the daughter of Maṃkaṇa; thus, O sage, the tale of the marriage had been fully recounted. Meanwhile, the valiant Dhundhukāra, commanding an army a hundred thousand strong, stood as a formidable force. Yet, when the thirty-first year dawned, under the mighty influence of Kṛṣṇa, Dhundhukāra set the Brahmāstra upon his bow and unleashed its power, burning half of his own army. Terrified, fifty thousand warriors scattered in all directions, fleeing for their lives. At this, the king of the earth was plunged into sorrow and fear, beset on every side by anxiety. He wondered desperately how victory could be his, and sought counsel with haste. In the midst of these troubles, the powerful Cāmuṇḍa appeared, assuming the guise of a woman. Four valiant sons stood together with Dhundhukāra. Upon hearing of this alliance, the king of the earth was gladdened, rejoicing for the sake of Brahmānanda. When evening fell on the eighth day of the bright half of Māgha, a cunning and forceful act was committed: by deception, an enemy was pierced in the belly with a trident. Then, Tāraka struck the foe’s heart with arrows, Sūryavarmā attacked with spears, and Dhundhukāra delivered a broad-headed arrow to the enemy’s head. Overwhelmed, the mighty Brahmānanda fainted and collapsed to the ground. In the ensuing chaos, the heads of Bhīma and Vardhana were severed from their bodies. Tāraka, Dhundhukāra, and Cāmuṇḍa also fell. Seeing his sons slain, the king of the earth was gripped by terror. At that moment, Velā swiftly mounted the swing, her youthful vigor shining like nectar, granting her great strength and power. She was radiant and formidable. A voice called out to her, “Who are you, beautiful one? Whose daughter are you, that you approach me in the midst of battle?” Velā, pure of heart, responded by offering water in respect. “I am Velā, daughter of the lord of the earth. I have come to you, O king. Live, and enjoy pleasures with me.” Thus addressed, the king replied, “When the age of Kali arrives… Mount the city of Hari with me, O auspicious-faced one.” Having spoken thus, the two mounted together and journeyed toward the sacred region of Kapila. For the sake of their future offspring, they bathed and made offerings separately, then departed. In the northern region of Badarī, they bathed once more and visited holy places. On the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Bhādra, Velā spoke earnest words, “Master, do as I say. Remain here with a tranquil mind, and worship all that is auspicious. When I have slain Tāraka, I will come to your side.” Thus, Velā—a virtuous woman—took up residence in the city of Hari. Meanwhile, mighty ones born from the portion of Krishna arrived. Though they cherished the king, they viewed Krishna’s portion with suspicion. Together with the king’s deceitful sons, Tāraka, and other powerful warriors, they went before their master and, with cunning, spoke words pleasing to him: “Therefore, you ought to go with me to him.” Hearing this dreadful pronouncement, all present were filled with grief. Having spoken thus, the mighty ones descended from Krishna’s line wept aloud. In their anger, they wrote a harsh letter, their hearts heavy with sorrow and indignation.