There was once a noble woman, worthy in every way, who approached the sage Shuka with a request. She was Chandravati, the auspicious daughter of the king of Magadha. Upon learning of her desire, the king sought the guidance of Ganesha, the foremost among the twice-born. Ganesha, swift and gracious, journeyed at once to the blessed land of Magadha. Before proceeding, salutations were offered to Shiva—the tranquil, wish-fulfilling Lord, the embodiment of Mrida and Ananda, who dispels all suffering. When the brahmin had thus spoken, the auspicious Chandravati herself declared, “There is a man on earth who is truly suitable for me.” With this in her heart, she turned to the goddess Durga, bestower of all desires. With reverence, Chandravati praised the Mother of the Universe: “Salutations, salutations to you, O Mother, granter of my aims. You are Svāhā, you are Svadhā, you are Sandhyā—again and again, I bow to you.” Pleased by these heartfelt words, the Mother of the Universe, essence of all, was moved with compassion. At the end of the month, assuming a form of perfection, she arranged the marriage. On an auspicious day, O King, Menā gave her daughter Madanamañjarī in marriage. Menakā, too, spoke: “O King, these are the marriages considered proper.” She explained that, in the same way, there are three kinds of women, each suited to a particular groom. “Now hear, O King, the reason for this, as I have seen and as it truly happened.” There was once a man, childless yet devoted to the gods, whose wife was ever faithful. Yet he, addicted to gambling and wine, neglected his duties. Witnessing his waywardness, his parents left for the forest. The son, Madapāla, having squandered all the family wealth, made his way to the beautiful city of Candrapura, where Hemapati resided. He introduced himself: “I am the son of Devayājī; I have brought but a little wealth, for a great wind swept my property into the water.” Hearing this, Hemapati spoke to his wife, Kāmamañjarī: “With your consent, I will give our daughter Candrakānti to this suitor.” Thus, Madapāla became the husband of Candrakānti and lived in Hemapati’s house. Madapāla said, “Give the order, O Lord of Wealth, and I will return to my own home without delay.” Hemapati gave his daughter, along with a maid named Candrakanti, and let them go. But Madapāla, in his wickedness, killed the maid and abandoned his wife, leaving her destitute. After a year, he squandered the gold he had gained in evil ways, and once more returned to his father-in-law’s house. He told his father-in-law that thieves had plundered his wealth. Hemapati, resigned, allowed him to stay for a few days. But Madapāla, again acting wickedly, killed his wife, stole many ornaments, and went home. Upon hearing of these events, Śuka spoke to the king, that ocean of compassion: “Menaka was a base woman, dark-skinned and unattractive. Listen, O King, to the excellent reason for this, as I have witnessed.” Yet her son, Sindhugupta, was intelligent, virtuous, and wealthy. His marriage was celebrated with great joy in the auspicious city of Jayashri. Thus, the stories of virtue and vice, of devotion and downfall, were recounted, each woven with the thread of destiny and the blessings of the divine.