Blinded by desire, a man once addressed Chandika, the eternal Mother of the Universe. “There is a worthy girl for me,” he declared, “the auspicious daughter of the washerman.” Overcome by his longing, he deceived her father and arranged a marriage ceremony, joining himself to the washerman’s daughter. Together, they enjoyed many pleasures, and happiness filled their days. When Kashidasa heard of this union, his heart, moved by affection, compelled him to act swiftly. He approached the Goddess and, in profound devotion, offered his own head at her feet. Through this supreme act of surrender, Kashidasa was transformed—he attained the form of a goddess himself. The compassionate Mother then spoke: “Today, choose a boon—whatever desire dwells in your heart, let it be fulfilled.” The woman, her heart brimming with longing, bowed to the Goddess and said, “Give me to my husband.” She prayed, “O Mother, I bow to you; grant me a beautiful and pleasing companion, just as you have previously bestowed upon me the boon of a lovely wife, in accordance with my desire.” A question arose: What did the goddess do for their sake? At that moment, she severed the finest skull from both of them, an act shrouded in divine mystery. Thus ends the sixth chapter in the section recounting the history of the Kali age, within the account of the four yugas, in the Pratisarga Parva of the glorious Bhavishya Mahapurana. At that time, the noble sage Vaitāla Bhrigu, serene in mind, was present. In the renowned city of Campāpuri, King Campakeśa ruled with wisdom and strength. To him was born a daughter, Trilokasundarī, whose beauty was enchanting—her eyes gentle as a deer’s, her voice as sweet as a cuckoo’s song, her form delicate and supremely excellent. A grand svayaṃvara was arranged for Trilokasundarī, and many kings gathered to seek her hand. Among the illustrious guests were Indra, Yama, Kubera, and Varuṇa, foremost among the gods. Each approached King Campakeśa with their plea. Indra said, “Listen, O King, to my words. Know that I am Indra’s gift; give your daughter to me.” The second god spoke, “Give your charming daughter to Dharmadatta.” The third entreated, “O King, give your daughter at once to Dhanapāla, the illustrious one, and be happy.” The fourth began, “O King, who is skilled in all arts—” and spoke of jewels and treasures given for merit, sacrifice, and excellent food. Hearing these requests, King Campakeśa became bewildered, uncertain how to proceed. The goddess herself, upon hearing these words, grew bashful and was overtaken by the workings of fate. Then the Vetala, with a laugh, addressed the king: “That maiden, beautiful in form, is suitable for Dharmadatta. He is learned in all the scriptures and is recognized as a Brahmin by caste. Though he knows the arts, he is a Shudra; he is versed in archery and is a king. Therefore, the girl was given in marriage to the virtuous Dharmadatta.” In the land of Videha, O king, there was a city called Mithilavati. There ruled King Gunadhipa, who possessed great wealth and abundant grain. Seeking livelihood, he took up residence in the region of Mithila. One day, for the purpose of hunting, he entered the forest and there encountered an excellent tiger. Following the tiger’s path, the king ventured deeper into the wilds. Soon, the king was afflicted by hunger and thirst, his throat parched and his body weary with fatigue. In his distress, the Kshatriya king heard a sound, and, acting swiftly, killed an excellent deer. Then a voice addressed him: “I will quickly grant you what you desire,” it said to the king. “O king, you have consumed a thousand coins of mine. At the end of the month, give me a hundred coins, householder.” Thus, the stories of devotion, desire, destiny, and divine intervention unfold, as told in the glorious Bhavishya Mahapurana.