Beloved among both men and women, this king shone with the gentle radiance of the full moon, enchanting all who beheld him. Yet, like the brilliant sun, he was difficult for his enemies to face, and his very presence inspired awe and fear among those who opposed him. He was a true Vaishnava, adorned with every virtue, a master of his anger and senses, deeply devoted to the paths of Yoga and Sankhya, ever striving for liberation and steadfast in righteousness. While he ruled the earth, this king, a reservoir of all noble qualities, began to nurture a profound desire to worship Hari, the Supreme Lord. He pondered deeply, asking himself, “How shall I worship Janardana, the God of gods? In which sacred field, at which holy place, on the banks of which river, or in what ashram should I perform this worship?” Immersed in these thoughts, he surveyed the land in his mind’s eye, considering all the holy places, sacred fields, and ancient sites renowned for their sanctity. After careful contemplation, he set aside all other places and resolved to journey to that most illustrious and supreme field, Purushottama, famed as the bestower of liberation. Arriving at this excellent and holy site, endowed with great strength and abundant resources, the king performed an Ashvamedha sacrifice in strict accordance with the sacred ordinances, giving away generous gifts to all. There, he constructed a grand and celebrated temple, and with his might he installed the divine forms of Sankarshana, Krishna, and Subhadra. He also established the five sacred bathing places, and at these holy tirthas he performed ritual bathing, gave charity, undertook austerities, offered fire sacrifices, and worshipped the gods with devotion. Day after day, with unwavering dedication and according to the prescribed rites, the king worshipped Purushottama. By the grace of the Lord of gods, he ultimately attained liberation. O twice-born one, it is said that whoever beholds Markandeya, Krishna, and Rama, and bathes in the ocean named after Indradyumna, surely attains liberation. But why, one may ask, did this king, Indradyumna, lord of the world, once journey to the supreme field of Purushottama, the place that grants liberation? How did he, upon arriving there, worship the Supreme Person with the horse sacrifice? How did he build, in that rare and wish-fulfilling field, a temple renowned throughout the three worlds? How did this tiger among kings establish Krishna, Rama, and Subhadra there, and protect that sacred site? How did the wise ruler enshrine Krishna and the others—deities worshipped even by the gods—in that splendid temple? O best of gods, please recount all these deeds in detail, without omission, as they truly happened. For your words are like nectar and never fail to delight us; our curiosity only grows, and we long to hear more of this ancient, meritorious tale that destroys sin, brings auspiciousness, and bestows both enjoyment and liberation. Gladly, the sage responded, “Excellent, excellent, O best of the twice-born, that you inquire into this ancient story, radiant with virtue. I shall narrate the deeds of that noble king as they unfolded in the Krita age. Listen attentively, O foremost sages, with focused minds and controlled senses. There was once a city named Avanti, famed throughout the land of Malava, governed by a king as eminent as the very summit of the earth. This city was filled with joyful, prosperous people. Its fortifications were strong, with lofty ramparts and gateways, secure locks and doors, and protective moats encircling it. Merchants of every kind crowded its markets, offering a dazzling array of fine wares. The city delighted with its well-laid streets, bustling shops, and neatly divided crossroads. Beautiful houses and tall towers adorned the avenues, and royal swans, white and splendid, glided gracefully, their necks displaying charming patterns. Avanti was adorned with hundreds of thousands of mansions and enlivened by festive sacrifices. Songs and musical instruments resounded through the air. Flags of many colors and banners fluttered above, while elephants, horses, chariots, and armies of foot soldiers thronged its streets. Warriors of all kinds mingled with people from distant lands. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and the twice-born all found their place in this prosperous city, which was further graced by learned scholars. There were no poor, ignorant, or unclean people. No one suffered from sickness or disability, nor was anyone addicted to gambling. Men and women, always joyful and good-natured, filled the city. Day and night, the people reveled in various delights. Well-dressed men, their earrings shining, moved about the city. They were handsome, virtuous, adorned with divine ornaments, and bore all auspicious marks, resembling the very god of love. With lovely hair, pleasant faces, and noble mustaches, they were well-versed in all scriptures and formidable in battle. Generous with jewels and enjoyers of every kind of wealth, they lived alongside women of enchanting beauty. These women moved with the grace of swans and elephants, their lotus-like eyes radiant, their waists slender, hips shapely, and breasts full and high. Their hair was beautiful, faces charming, cheeks lovely, and their locks steady and graceful. Their expressive necks were adorned with ear ornaments. Their lips were like bimba fruit, faces brightened by betel, and they wore golden jewelry and every kind of ornament. Whether dark or fair, their lovely hips were encircled by resounding girdles and anklets. They wore divine garlands and garments, and their bodies were anointed with heavenly fragrances. Skilled, fortunate, and pleasing to behold, these women radiated beauty and charm, their faces always lit with smiles. Playful and intoxicated with joy, they delighted in assemblies and courtyards, enchanting all with their songs, music, stories, and conversation. Among them were chief courtesans, expert in dance and song, skilled in glances and speech, and possessing all the virtues of womanhood. Thus was Avanti, the splendid city, ruled by the illustrious king Indradyumna, whose devotion and deeds would become the glory of the ages.