Hearing the news of Brahmānanda’s joy, the king of the earth was gladdened in his heart. As evening descended on the eighth day of the bright half of the month of Māgha, a fierce encounter unfolded. Through deception and force, a trident was driven into the enemy’s belly. In the heat of battle, Tāraka struck him in the heart with arrows, Sūryavarmā pierced him with spears, and Dhundhukāra loosed a broad-headed arrow that struck the enemy’s head. Overwhelmed by these powerful blows, Brahmānanda, renowned for his great strength, fainted and collapsed onto the ground. The violence of the conflict did not end there. The heads of Bhīma and Vardhana were severed from their bodies, and Tāraka, Dhundhukāra, and Cāmuṇḍa too fell in the fighting. When the king of the earth saw his sons slain, he was seized by deep fear. At that moment, Velā, having heard what had transpired, swiftly mounted the swing. She was radiant with youthful, nectar-like vigor, her power shining forth. Approaching the field, she was addressed, “Who are you, whose daughter are you, O beautiful one, who has come before me in battle?” Hearing this, Velā, pure of heart, offered water in respect and replied, “I am Velā, daughter of the lord of the earth; I have come to you. O king, live and enjoy pleasures with me.” To this, he responded, “When the age of Kali arrives, mount the city of Hari with me, O auspicious-faced one.” Having spoken these words, the two mounted together and journeyed toward the region of Kapila. For the sake of their future offspring, they bathed separately and made offerings before departing. In the northern region of Badarī, they bathed and visited holy places. On the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Bhādra, Velā spoke, “Master, do as I say. Remain there with a tranquil mind; worship all that is auspicious. Having slain Tāraka, I will come to your side.” Thus, Velā, a virtuous woman, dwelled in the city of Hari. Meanwhile, mighty warriors born from the portion of Krishna arrived. Although they considered the king dear, they regarded Krishna’s portion as unfavorable. With the deceitful sons of the king, and with Tāraka and other powerful ones, they came before their master and, through cunning, spoke words meant to please him: “Therefore, you ought to go with me to him.” Hearing this dreadful proposal, all present were filled with grief. The mighty ones descended from Krishna’s line wept aloud, their sorrow overflowing. Angered by these events, they wrote a harsh letter. When the king of the earth had this letter read out formally, he was plunged into anxious thoughts and lost his peaceful sleep. Soon, a great assembly of warriors gathered: twenty-four lakhs of brave fighters with their kings, and King Parimala with an army of sixteen lakhs, all set up camp at the holy place of Syamantapanchaka. The mighty Kauravas assembled on the bank of the sacred Ganga. There, after performing the Kartika bath and giving many gifts, King Lahar—lord of the Vishvaksenas, honored by the same name as in his previous birth—arrived. With him came Dussaha, Dusshala, Jalasanha, Samaha, Saha, Durmarshana, Dushkarna, Somakirti, and Anudara, all illustrious warriors, ready for the events yet to unfold.