After performing the sacred rites, reciting mantras, and carrying out purification, the devoted woman revived the boy. When the meal was prepared, she intoned the reviving mantra. Later, that same woman, having traveled elsewhere, was burned by Hariśarma. Overcome with grief, the boy’s own father also burned his son. This boy was the son of the virtuous king, the master of Dharmasthalī. The king, who had granted life to me, now stood before me and said, “Choose a boon from me today.” Taking the boy’s bones, he journeyed to the sacred place, urging me not to delay in seeking him. Upon reaching him, I recounted how life had been restored. Hearing these words, Keśava, holding the bones, promptly gave all of them to that twice-born one. I declared, “I go to that righteous one to whom I am bound by dharma.” Therefore, Vikramāditya, you who know the path of righteousness, tell me: the worthy woman Madhumatī is for Vāmana, the twice-born. The brāhmaṇa who gives life, intent on virtue, is like a father. Once more, the Vetāla spoke to the noble king Vikrama: “In the beautiful city of Varddhavan, bustling with people of every kind, there lived a learned garland-maker. His beloved wife was devoted to serving her husband. Together with his son, daughter, and wife, he came to seek a livelihood. Hearing a little of his story, the king gave the garland-maker a thousand gold coins every day. After spending some, he enjoyed the remainder with his family. To test her devotion, the woman went to the cremation ground and wept greatly. ‘Go, O best of heroes, to the place where that sound is heard,’ came the instruction. Hearing this, the mighty and skilled hero went forth. He 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 possess long life? Tell me the reason.’ She continued, ‘I too shall become long-lived; accomplish your master’s task.’ Hearing this, the hero returned to his house. With resolve, the virtuous woman spoke fearlessly to her son, ‘So be it.’ The son, together with his sister and mother, considered what must be done. ‘O dear father, offer my skull to Caṇḍikā,’ said the son. Hearing this, Vīrasena cut off his son’s head and made the offering. Witnessing this act, the army chief understood the entire reason from the beginning. Then, pleased, the goddess granted the king long life and spoke. Vīrasena requested, ‘May his whole lineage attain long life.’ Rupasena, with a serene mind, and his daughter, who could assume any form, asked, ‘Among them, who has shown the greatest affection? Tell me.’ It was answered: the king showed the greatest affection, giving his own body for the sake of a servant; the sister showed love as a relative, and the son as a dutiful child. The wise Rupasena showed great affection to the king. In another wondrous city named Bhogavati, King Rupavarma ruled the kingdom. In the house of that king, within an auspicious enclosure, he resided.