O king, in a splendid city renowned for its virtue and merit, people of many backgrounds lived and served. Among them was the wise minister Satyaprakāśa, whose beloved was Lakṣmī. In this city, a noble soul asked, “In how many ways does happiness exist in the world?” The answer unfolded: in the stage of celibacy, the supreme happiness is known as brahmānanda, the bliss of Brahman. In the forest-dweller stage, happiness is called dharmānanda, though it is lesser. Yet, in renunciation, the bliss of Śiva is the highest of all. For the householder, O king, happiness cannot be found without a wife. Desiring such happiness, the king sought a wife worthy of himself, one devoted to dharma. He instructed his minister, “Seek a woman for me today, O sir.” Hearing this command, Satyaprakāśa journeyed far and wide, praising in his heart Sindhu, the auspicious lord of all holy places. He prayed, “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.” In the water, he beheld a wondrous sight: a tree with a golden trunk and leaves like coral, upon which stood a young girl, delicate and beautiful. Amazed, the minister returned to the king, who, upon witnessing such marvels, journeyed to the ocean’s edge. There, he humbly addressed the woman, “I have come here for your sake.” She laughed and replied, “On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight…” Hearing this, the king was overwhelmed with longing on that very day. At that moment, a demon named Bakavāhana appeared. Blinded by desire, the king slew the demon and spoke fearlessly to his wife. She revealed, “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 Vidyādhara.” Thus, in that city, a great festival arose among the people. But suddenly, death befell them. The question arose: for what reason did this happen? The minister reflected in his heart upon the king, troubled by the fear of losing his kingdom. For a king addicted to sensual pleasures, the destruction of his kingdom is certain. In another beautiful city, Cūḍāpura, there was a king named Cūḍāmaṇi. His teacher was Devasvami, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. The radiant queen worshipped Śiva for the sake of a son. From her prayers, a son named Harisvami was born—famed, powerful, and possessing a portion of the gods. His wife, Rupalavanyika, was a celestial maiden. Once, together with her husband, she dwelled in spring, the season of blossoming flowers. A Gandharva named Sukala was captivated by her beauty. Awakened by desire, he sought after that woman, overcome with longing. Yet renouncing all sensual pleasures, Sukala devoted himself to meditation on Hari, seeking the true joy beyond worldly longing.