With a clear mind, words of wisdom were spoken to the king. In the illustrious city of Ujjayini, O great king, there was one renowned by the name of Mahabala. His messenger, a devoted servant of Hari, ever performed his master's tasks with unwavering faith. To this household was born a maiden of striking beauty, her eyes like blooming lotuses. One day, this maiden spoke to her father Haridasa, saying, “Listen, dear father, to my words.” Haridasa, affirming her with “So be it,” was soon summoned by the queen and went to the royal assembly as bidden. There he was instructed, “Go to the lord of Tailaṅga, King Hariśchandra.” Receiving this command, the brahmin set out and approached Hariśchandra, the great-minded monarch. Upon hearing the brahmin’s words, King Hariśchandra was pleased at heart and inquired, “When will the age of Kali begin?” It was revealed that the Kali Yuga commenced when a certain king established his rule, and that from his second wife sprang forth many languages, confounding the people. In the age of Kali, the dharma proclaimed by the Vedas would be reversed, and Kali, the friend of unrighteousness, would cause the gods to be cast aside. Poverty, as Kali’s consort, would dwell in every household. The wealthy would be ruled by greed, while those once lowly would rise to greatness. The earth, under Kali’s influence, would become barren and fruitless. Hearing these portents, King Hariśchandra bestowed a generous gift upon the brahmin. At that time, another brahmin, wise and learned, arrived. The goddess granted a wondrous flying chariot, swift as thought itself. Yet, for the sake of the maiden, this brahmin became bewildered. Haridasa’s son, Mukunda, was a youth of learning. His teacher said to him, “Listen to my words, Mukunda.” Mukunda, replying, “So be it,” quickly returned to his home. The maiden chose as her husband Vamana, a brahmin skilled in the Vedas. Meanwhile, three brahmins, each virtuous and learned, arrived seeking her hand in marriage. In the midst of this, one swiftly abducted the great goddess and carried her to the Vindhya mountains. Among them was a wise brahmin named Dhiman, foremost among astrologers, who spoke to the group with discernment. With his flying chariot, he placed two brahmins upon it. In a moment of peril, he placed one upon his arrow and slew a demon with swiftness. Desiring the maiden, the brahmins began to quarrel among themselves. With humility and a bowed head, one of them spoke to the Vetala, the servant of Rudra. The Vetala proclaimed: “He who, with knowledge, spoke to the maiden is indeed a brahmin like a father; he who slew the demon is truly worthy of the maiden.” Elsewhere, in the beautiful village of Dharmapura, well-served by many, there was a king most excellent and devoted to righteousness. His minister was Andhaka, skilled in the science of law. The righteous king built a temple there and installed the goddess Durga. At midnight, Mahagauri herself appeared to the king and said, “Choose a boon, O king.” With a humble heart, the king praised her, and Durga was pleased by his devotion.