At the urging of a wise voice, the best of heroes was instructed to go to the place where a mysterious sound was heard. Obedient and skilled in arms, this mighty hero did as he was told. Upon arriving, he found a noble lady weeping and, with gentle words, asked her, “Why do you stand here in sorrow, shedding tears?” The royal lady, her heart heavy, replied to Vīrasena, “At the end of this month, I shall meet my destruction. That is why I grieve, O strong one. But tell me, by what merit do you enjoy such long life?” Vīrasena, steadfast and compassionate, answered, “I too shall become long-lived. But first, let me fulfill the task given to me by my master.” With this resolve, the hero made his way to the house. The virtuous woman, emboldened by his words, fearlessly spoke to her son, “So be it.” Her determination unwavering, she joined her son and daughter, and together they approached the father. The son, moved by devotion, said, “O dear father, offer my skull to Caṇḍikā.” Without hesitation, Vīrasena fulfilled his son’s wish, cutting off his head and offering it as a sacrifice. Witnessing this act of supreme devotion, the chief of the army immediately understood the entire situation from its origin. Pleased by their sacrifice and love, the goddess herself appeared and, in her joy, granted life to the king. Vīrasena, grateful for this divine grace, prayed, “May his entire lineage be blessed with long life.” Rupasena, serene in mind, and his daughter—blessed with the power to assume any form—then asked, “Among us, who has shown the greatest affection?” The reply came: “The king has demonstrated the greatest love, offering his very body for the sake of a servant. The sister’s affection is that of a loving relative, and the son’s is that of a dutiful child. Yet it is the wise Rupasena who has shown the deepest affection for the king.” In another wondrous city, Bhogavati, King Rupavarma ruled with justice and glory. His palace, set within an auspicious enclosure, was a place of splendor and virtue. Within this royal household, an excellent woman—fit in every way—approached the sage Shuka with her wish. She was Chandravati, the auspicious daughter of the king of Magadha. Hearing of her desire, King Rupavarma sought the counsel of Ganesha, the foremost among the twice-born. Ganesha, swift to act, journeyed to the blessed land of Magadha. There, he offered salutations to Shiva, the tranquil one, the fulfiller of all desires, the embodiment of Mrida and Ananda, the remover of suffering. When the brahmin had finished his invocation, the auspicious Chandravati declared, “There is a man upon this earth who is truly suitable for me.” Inspired by her longing, the goddess herself sought out Durga, the granter of desires, offering her heartfelt salutations: “Salutations, salutations to the Mother of the Universe, who fulfills my aims. You are Svāhā, you are Svadhā, you are Sandhyā—salutations to you, again and again.” Pleased by this sincere praise, the Mother of the Universe, essence of all that exists, granted her blessing. At the end of the month, taking a form of perfection, she arranged the marriage, fulfilling the wishes of all. On an auspicious day, Menā gave Madanamañjarī in marriage. Menakā, wise and gracious, explained to the king, “These are the marriages that are considered proper.” She further described that there are three kinds of women, each suited to a particular groom. “Listen, O King, to the reason for this, as I have seen and as it has happened. There was once a man, childless but devoted to the gods, and his wife was faithful and true. Yet, the man was addicted to gambling and ever drawn to wine. Witnessing his conduct, his parents, saddened and disheartened, chose to leave for the forest.” Thus, the stories of devotion, sacrifice, and the workings of fate unfolded, each thread woven with the blessings and guidance of the divine.