After ruling wisely for sixty years, a great king saw the birth of his son, Bindusāra. At that very time, a distinguished Brahmin from Kānyakubja arrived, and through the power of Vedic mantras, four Kṣatriyas were born. Among these protectors were the Trivedī, Śukla, and Atharvā, who stood as guardians of dharma. Aśoka soon took control, and under his reign, all Buddhists were vanquished. In Avanti, King Pramara governed a region that stretched across four yojanas. The city of Kaliṃjara, once delightful, became remembered as the place of lamentation. Yet, when the destroyer of Buddhists occupied it, he became joyful and powerful. Another splendid city, Ajamerapura, shone with the order and grandeur of its people. A king named Shukla journeyed to the region of Anarta. Among those born from fire, several kings were honored with sovereignty. At this point, the sage addressed the Brahmins, urging them to disperse, for he was now entering yogic sleep. When two thousand years had passed, the Suta spoke, narrating the tale of King Pramara, who ruled his kingdom for six years. Pramara’s son, born of Devapi, attained a stature equal to his father. From him, Gandharvasena became king and ruled for fifty years. After Gandharvasena, Shankha inherited the throne, reigning for thirty years. Gandharvasena begot a precious son, whose birth was celebrated by the sound of drums and conches, as gentle winds brought delight to all. By performing karma-yoga through twenty noble acts, this son became favored by Shiva, destined to destroy the Shakas and uphold dharma. His father rejoiced and named him Vikramaditya. When Vikramaditya reached the age of five, he ventured into the forest to practice austerity. Later, he traveled to the divine city of Ambavati, blessed with prosperity. Shiva sent him there, and Vikramaditya accepted his destined position. Once, this heroic king journeyed to the sacred place of Mahakaleshvara. There, he built a grand hall, filled with righteousness and arranged in an expansive layout. The hall was adorned with trees and creepers, enriched by flowering vines. He summoned the foremost Brahmins, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. As the gathering commenced, a deity named Vetala appeared in that place. The Brahmin sat upon a seat and addressed the king, announcing his intention to share the great narrative—a collection of ancient tales. Having established Shiva in his mind, the Brahmin spoke to the king, describing the delightful city of Varanasi, where Mahesha abides. In Varanasi, people of all four castes dwell, and the king wears a crown of glory. His son, Vajramukuta, is beloved by the ministers and their sons. Among them, Buddhidaksha, the minister’s son, is renowned for his wisdom and skill. One day, Buddhidaksha beheld a charming forest, teeming with animals and birds. Within it was a divine and delightful lake, resounding with the cries of many birds. Upon seeing this wondrous place, the two heroes who arrived there experienced supreme joy. There too was Padmavati, the esteemed daughter of Dantavaktra.