Garuḍa, soaring through the sky, carried his burden along the celestial path. Kamalākṣī, witnessing this sight, saw Garuḍa standing in the heavens, the one he had devoured visible within him. Suddenly, Garuḍa, struck by fear, descended swiftly and approached. With reverence, he addressed the Lord, saying, “O wise one, please listen to my words. I have come before you for the protection of her son. The serpent’s sorrow has brought him an enemy. Therefore, O wise one, forsake human food and embrace divine nourishment—for the sake of Jīmūtavāhana and for the daughter of the Vidyādharas.” He continued, “You have reached the most splendid kingdom in the city of the Vidyādharas.” Having spoken thus, Garuḍa vanished, and the kingdom was bestowed upon him by his father. Then the Vetāla, with humility, addressed the king. He spoke of the king’s destiny: it was ordained that he would help others. Through the power of a devoted wife and the gift of life granted by the king, Śaṃkhacūḍa, now fearless, approached his enemy. To the south of King Candraśekhara’s city, there lived a merchant named Ratnadatta, righteous and wealthy, possessing both riches and grain. Upon seeing a wondrous form, Ratnadatta approached the king and said, “Take her, O ocean of compassion; she is suitable for you, created by fate.” The king then instructed his minister Vidura, “You also go, O wise one.” After these words, King Candraśekhara returned home. His wife, Śyāmalā, aware of his arrival, honored him with incense, lamps, flowers, and other offerings. Yet, overwhelmed by fear, she cried out loudly. Meanwhile, the king, having slain a tiger swiftly, rejoiced. With a humble heart, he addressed King Candraśekhara, renowned for his righteousness, revealing that, due to Prahlada’s curse, he had obtained the body of a tiger. The king, returning home, slept soundly, filled with joy. As per his instructions, someone went to the place where the woman of desire resided. Her beauty was so powerful that it was said the king would fall into delusion. Thinking this, the king refrained from performing the marriage. Instead, the woman of excellent complexion became the wife of Balabhadra. Struck by desire’s arrow and bewildered, the king fainted and collapsed. He ordered a palanquin to be brought into the assembly. There, he asked, “Whose beautiful wife is this? From where has this most excellent woman come?” The reply was, “This beautiful woman is mine; she is the daughter of Ratnadatta. The wife of my servant is always suitable for you, O king.” Hearing this, the king’s eyes blazed with anger as he spoke, “If I take that lady, the servants of Yama will drag me to hell.” Tormented by the fire of separation, the king acted quickly. Then, the Vetala addressed him: “Listen, O king.” At that very moment, the commander of the army was reduced to ashes in an instant.