At that moment, the maiden’s fainting ceased, only for another swoon to overtake her. When the radiant morning dawned, the man returned home with the maidens. O great king, among all these maidens, which one was the best? The one whose nature was like the wind was overcome by the lotus flower, while the second, afflicted by phlegm, fainted because of the coolness of the moon. The god, smiling gently, again addressed the king, who was devoted to the path of existence. He said, “That principal one is the eternal Vedic dharma. The Śūdra, the Vaiśya, the Kṣatriya, and the Brāhmaṇa—all practice celibacy. He who, after uniting with a wife, lives as an ascetic is called a true householder. Even in Jain scripture, the dharma of living like an ascetic within the household is proclaimed.” The god then spoke an auspicious verse to the king, filled with profound questions of dharma. “O king, in the beautiful city of merit, served by people of many kinds, there was a minister named Satyaprakāśa, and Lakṣmī, his beloved. O noble one, tell me: in how many ways does happiness exist in this world? In the stage of celibacy, supreme happiness is known as ‘brahmānanda.’ In the forest-dweller stage, happiness is called ‘dharmānanda,’ though it is less than the former. In renunciation, the bliss of Śiva is the highest of all. But, O king, in the householder’s stage, there is no happiness without a wife.” Thus, the king sought a wife suitable for himself, one devoted to dharma. He said to his minister, “Seek a woman for me today, O sir.” Hearing this command, the minister set out from land to land, and in his heart he praised Sindhu, the auspicious lord of all holy places: “I have come to your refuge, O you who cherish those who seek shelter. Grant a jewel among women for the king’s sake—or else, I shall give up my life.” There, in the water, stood a wondrous tree with a golden trunk and great coral-like leaves. Upon that tree stood a young girl, delicate and beautiful. Amazed by this great wonder, the minister returned and told the king. The king, having heard of such a marvel, journeyed as far as the ocean. With a humble heart, he addressed the maiden: “I have come here for your sake.” She laughed and replied to the king, “On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight…” Hearing this, the king was overwhelmed with longing that very day. At that time, a demon named Bakavāhana appeared. Blinded by desire, the king slew the demon and spoke fearlessly to the woman. She said, “O king, listen! I am indeed the daughter of a Vidyādhara. I did not come at the time of the meal, nor to the house of my father and mother. Today, on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, the demon will seize you. Then, weeping, I spoke to my father. He said, ‘O daughter, you will be enjoyed by a hero.’ By your command, O king, I will go to my father’s house. With you, I will go to the house of the Vidyādharas.” Then, in that city, a great festival arose among the people. But suddenly, death befell them. Why did this happen? The minister reflected in his heart upon the king, troubled by the fear of losing his kingdom.