In the midst of a serene lake, Padmavati played joyfully with her companions, their laughter echoing across the water as they engaged in delightful games. She was a maiden of remarkable beauty and virtues, admired by all who beheld her. Elsewhere, Vajramukuta awoke and prayed fervently, “Protect me, Shiva Shankara.” In a gesture of devotion, she took a lotus flower from Shiva’s head, first placing it at her ears, then thoughtfully moving it to her heart. Vajramukuta, accompanied by his father, journeyed into the forested mountain on pilgrimage. Yet, he was soon overcome with great mental anguish and fell into a state of delusion. His thoughts dwelled incessantly on the young Padmavati, and in his longing, he undertook a vow of silence. News of the prince’s unusual condition spread, and people everywhere lamented, “What has become of the prince?” Someone approached Vajramukuta and urged him, “O king, speak the truth.” Hearing this, the wise Buddhidaksha laughed and addressed the king, revealing, “She is the daughter of Dantavaktra, the king of Karnata. Recognizing you by the sign of the flower, I will bring you to her presence.” Buddhidaksha requested, “Give the order, O king; I will go to Karnata.” He assured, “I will go—there is no doubt—if you wish your son to live.” Without delay, they mounted horses and swiftly made their way to the city of Dantavaktra. Upon arrival, Buddhidaksha gave Padmavati much wealth. The following morning, an elderly woman entered the royal palace and, finding Padmavati in private, delivered Buddhidaksha’s message: “A handsome man, seen for your sake, has come here.” Padmavati, angered, spoke as her fingers, damp with sandalwood, touched her cheeks. She then returned home. Vajramukuta spoke to his sorrowful friend, “Listen, friend, abandon your grief. For your sake, my chest was struck—when will you become my friend? At the end of my menstruation, O friend, I kissed your face.” After three days, the elderly woman reported these events to Padmavati. She urged, “Unite with him today, O lovely-hipped one, and make your life fruitful.” Yet, Padmavati was expelled through the window door, struck on her back and below. Mitra, pleased and clever, said, “Listen, O friend! Arrive at midnight and enjoy me, who am overcome with desire.” The great lover, Vajramukuta, went swiftly and delighted the woman. He spoke tenderly to his beloved Padmavati, “Hear my words, beautiful-faced one.” Buddhidaksha then inquired, “Where is she now?” Hearing his words, which struck harshly like a thunderbolt, Buddhidaksha devoted himself to the worship of Chitragupta. Meanwhile, the king arrived, filled with urgency. He questioned, “Why have you not eaten, friend, the food prepared by my beloved?” After Vajramukuta ate, he met his death, leaving the king astonished at the sight. Vajramukuta instructed, “Friend, go home quickly; the sinful woman has been abandoned by me. Bring that ornament and place the trident at her knee.” Hearing this, the king went, fulfilled the request, and returned.