Śrīdatta, intent on trade, journeyed to the land of Kurusthala, leaving behind his wife, Jayalakshmi, who remained in her father’s house, troubled by longing. As Śrīdatta traveled, he encountered a female messenger along the way, who expended much wealth in her dealings. After three months had passed, Śrīdatta returned to the home of his father-in-law. That night, at midnight, Jayalakshmi’s mother sent her to join her husband. Jayalakshmi approached Śrīdatta with great respect, displaying affection before returning to her own home. Meanwhile, in an empty house, Homadatta was bitten by a serpent. Jayalakshmi, swift in her actions, pleased the adulterer, who was intoxicated by the serpent’s poison. Upon finding his corpse, she continued to indulge herself with the lifeless body. A thief named Kaphalla witnessed the cause of these events. At that moment, Jayalakshmi, unfortunate, reunited with her own husband. Somadatta, a man of great wealth, saw the daughter, now disfigured and without a nose. By command of the king, royal messengers seized Somadatta. Accepting his words as truth, they deemed Jayalakshmi greatly wicked. She was banished from the city, sent to a forest frequented by tigers. Having narrated these happenings, the Vetala, with humility, addressed King Vikrama. He explained, “Darkness is not masculine; it possesses three genders and is immutable. The unchanging abode of Brahman is Maya, whose nature is marked by gender. The neuter and the woman are always superior; among women, the man likewise. Ancient sages have described the excess of ignorance in the neuter. Therefore, a woman is more sinful; a man is less tainted by sin.” With a clear mind, the Vetala continued, offering wise words to the king. He spoke of Ujjayini, where a renowned man named Mahabala was heard of. His messenger was a devoted servant of Hari, always fulfilling his master’s tasks. To this messenger was born a beautiful maiden, her eyes like lotus petals. She addressed her father, Haridasa: “Listen, dear father, to my words.” Haridasa, agreeing, went to the assembly when summoned by the queen. He was instructed to go to the lord of Tailaṅga, King Hariśchandra. Hearing this, the brahmin journeyed to Hariśchandra, the great-minded king, who was pleased by his arrival. King Hariśchandra asked Haridasa, “When will the age of Kali begin?” Haridasa replied, “When you establish your kingdom, then the age of Kali will begin.” From Hariśchandra’s second wife arose many languages that bewildered people. When the dharma spoken of in the Vedas is seen to be reversed, Kali, friend of unrighteousness, will cast aside all the gods. Poverty, as Kali’s consort, will dwell in every household. The wealthy will be ruled by greed, and the lowly will rise to greatness. The earth will become barren and fruitless when Kali arrives, as is seen. Hearing these words, Hariśchandra rewarded Haridasa generously. Meanwhile, another brahmin, wise and learned, arrived.