Madhumatī was a young woman of remarkable virtue, beauty, and noble qualities. Her brother, deeply concerned for her wellbeing, wandered far and wide, searching for the most worthy suitor who could match her excellence. For his own studies, Sattvaśīla, another noble soul, traveled to the sacred city of Kāśī. In those days, a renowned man named Vāmana lived—distinguished by his appearance, virtue, and maturity. Meanwhile, Madhumatī became overwhelmed with distress, neglecting food, clothing, drink, and even sleep. The young Suśīlā, witnessing the brāhmaṇa Vāmana, felt the turmoil of her heart. Hariśarmā, engaged in ritual, saw the brāhmaṇa Trivikrama. In Kāśī, Satyaśīla was present, as was Keśava, the son of the guru. On the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Māgha, the auspicious alignment of Bhṛgu was remembered. But at that very time, fate struck: the maiden was bitten by a serpent. The assembled brāhmaṇas exerted every effort to save her. Hariśarmā performed all the required rites according to the Vedic injunctions. Trivikrama, following the god of love, suffered greatly in many ways. Keśava, overwhelmed by grief, gathered the bones of his beloved. Vāmana, collecting ashes, was tormented by the fire of separation. Elsewhere, on the bank of the Sarayu in the auspicious city of Lakṣmaṇa, Rāmaśarmā was absorbed in meditation upon Śiva. His wife, Viśālākṣī, had prepared a grand feast. At that moment, their child died, overcome by the force of sin. Though tormented by grief, Viśālākṣī did not weep. Instead, after reciting mantras and performing purification, she revived her son. Having arranged the meal, she gave the reviving mantra. Later, this woman, arriving elsewhere, was burned by Hariśarmā. The son, too, was burned by his father, afflicted by grief. This son was the offspring of the lord of virtues, the king and master of Dharmasthalī. The king, having granted life, offered a boon, saying, "Choose a blessing from me today." Taking the bones, he went to the sacred place, urging, "Do not delay in seeking him." Upon reaching the righteous one, he related how life had been restored. Hearing these words, Keśava, still bearing the bones, promptly gave them all to that twice-born one. He declared, "I go to that righteous one to whom I am bound by dharma." Thus, he asked Vikramāditya, the wise knower of dharma, "Tell me, O king, who is the rightful recipient?" It was determined that the worthy woman Madhumatī was meant for Vāmana, the twice-born. The brāhmaṇa who gives life, intent on virtue, is as a father. Once again, the Vetāla spoke to the best of kings, Vikrama. In the beautiful city of Varddhavan, bustling with people of many kinds, there lived a learned garland-maker. His beloved wife was devoted to serving him. With his son, daughter, and wife, he arrived seeking a livelihood. Hearing a little of his story, the king generously gave him a thousand gold coins each day. After spending some, he enjoyed the remainder with his family. To test her devotion, in the cremation ground, the garland-maker's wife wept greatly.