The devoted brāhmaṇas, determined to fulfill their purpose, undertook the utmost effort. Hariśarmā, among them, performed all the rites exactly as the Vedic injunctions prescribed. Meanwhile, Trivikrama, following the god of love, endured great suffering in many ways. Keśava, overwhelmed by sorrow, took up the bones of his beloved, and Vāmana, gathering the ashes, was afflicted by the burning pain of separation. Once, on the bank of the sacred Sarayu river, in the auspicious city called Lakṣmaṇa, Rāmaśarmā was deeply absorbed in the meditation of Śiva. His wife, Viśālākṣī, prepared a grand feast for the household. At that very time, their child died, overcome by the force of sin. Though tormented by the fire of grief for her son, Viśālākṣī did not weep. Instead, after reciting powerful mantras and performing purification rites, she revived the boy. Having finished the meal, she gave the reviving mantra. Later, that woman, having arrived elsewhere, was burned by Hariśarmā. The son, too, was burned by his father, who was afflicted by grief. This boy was the son of the lord of virtues, the king, master of Dharmasthalī. He granted me life, saying, “Now, choose a boon from me today.” Taking the bones, he went to the sacred place, instructing not to delay in seeking him. Upon reaching him, he recounted how life had been restored; hearing these words, Keśava, bearing the bones, promptly gave all the bones to that twice-born one. “I go to that righteous one to whom I am rightfully bound by dharma,” he declared. Therefore, Vikramāditya, knower of dharma, tell me: The worthy woman Madhumatī is for Vāmana, the twice-born. The brāhmaṇa who gives life, intent on virtue, is like a father. Then, the Vetāla spoke again to the best of kings, Vikrama. In the beautiful city of Varddhavan, attended by people of many kinds, there lived a learned garland-maker. His beloved wife was devoted to serving her husband. With his son, daughter, and wife, he came seeking a livelihood. Hearing a little of his story, the king generously gave him a thousand gold coins every day. After spending some, he enjoyed the remainder with his family. To test her, in the cremation ground, she wept greatly. “Go, O best of heroes, to the place where that sound is heard,” came the command. Hearing this, the best of heroes, skilled in weapons and mighty, went and spoke gently to her, asking, “For what reason are you standing here weeping?” The royal lady replied to Vīrasena, “At the end of the month I will meet my destruction; therefore I grieve, O strong one. By what merit do you have long life? Tell me the reason.” She continued, “I too shall become long-lived; accomplish your master’s task.” Hearing this, the best of heroes went himself to the house. Saying “So be it,” that virtuous woman fearlessly spoke to her son. Thinking thus, the son, together with his sister and mother, said, “O dear father, offer my skull to Caṇḍikā.