அழகான அந்த யுவதி, whose face shone like the young crescent moon, was seen by the prince. Her entire form glittered with dazzling ornaments, and the prince, overwhelmed by joy at her sight, suddenly fainted and fell to the ground. Witnessing his state, the maiden herself was overcome and lost her senses. Her friends, sensing her plight, quickly placed her on a swing and brought her close to the king. Krishnaamsha, a relative who observed the prince’s condition, was filled with sorrow and spoke gently, “Know that rajas is the nature of passion; from folly arises delusion.” Hearing his brother’s wise words, the prince let go of his confusion and returned home. There, with devotion, he worshipped Goddess Durga, reciting the sacred Madhyacaritraka. The faultless goddess, moved by his prayers, enchanted the maiden, preparing her for marriage. Yet, when dawn broke and the prince reflected upon everything, he once again fell into deep delusion. When the auspicious month of Pausha arrived, marked by good omens and the sweet song of a parrot, the prince went to the grand flower-garden in the city of Avati. O valiant one, your younger brother and close kinsman, named Ahlada, mighty in strength, was also present. Knowing this, a dear reply was prepared for the maiden. Hearing these developments, the heroic Udaya took up an excellent letter. At the same time, Jambuka, the valorous king favored by Rudradatta, and the maiden’s father—an enemy blessed by Indradatta—were involved in these matters. Understanding the situation, Ahlada gently comforted the steadfast-hearted maiden. In those days, there was a parrot named Shuka, who was once a serpent cursed by Pundarika. When that delightful Shuka died, the goddess Svarnavati became involved. When the month of Magha came, on the fifth day of the dark fortnight, the valiant ones, beginning with Talana, mounted their respective vehicles. Crossing the land of Vanga, they swiftly reached the Himalayan mountains. “Go forth, O hero,” they said, “armed with armor and riding the fierce horse Karala. Bear the marks of battle on your body and hasten to me.” He went and saw the king’s assembly, filled with many brave warriors. There, he addressed Netra Simha, the foremost and mighty king: “Guarded by seven lakhs of warriors, I have come to your kingdom. Therefore, quickly give your daughter to Ahlada.” Hearing these words, anger seized the king, and he ordered the gates closed, intending to imprison the messenger. At once, a hundred valiant warriors with nooses, under the protection of the city lord, surrounded him. But the mighty one slew them all, seized the king’s crown, and ascended into the sky. Hearing of these deeds, Netra Simha, with a calm mind and accompanied by seven hundred thousand followers, gathered with the mountain kings. They brought forth a thousand elephants and a hundred thousand powerful horses. Yogasimha, leading the elephants, challenged the enemy forces. Vijaya and the prince, along with all the assembled kings, joined the battle. Between the two great armies, a fierce and terrible war erupted. Two hundred thousand of the enemy’s heroes fell in the clash. Seeing their own army broken, four intoxicated warriors revived their entire force with the booming sound of the dhakka drum, as if giving them nectar. Again and again, the best among the Bhrigus came forward to face the battle. Seven days passed in this dreadful war, terrifying even the brave. Regaining their strength, the warriors struck down the enemy soldiers once more. At last, despairing of victory, they sought refuge with Krishna’s portion, hoping for deliverance.