O twice-born, listen to the wondrous tale of King Indradyumna, lord of the earth, and the deeds that led to his immortal fame. It is said that one who beholds Markandeya, Krishna, and Rama, and bathes at the sacred ocean bearing Indradyumna’s name, surely attains liberation. But why, you may ask, did King Indradyumna, sovereign of the world, journey to that supreme field—Purushottama—the very ground that bestows liberation? And when he arrived, how did this foremost of kings worship the Supreme Person through the great horse sacrifice? How did he, in that rare and fruitful field, construct a temple renowned in all three worlds? How did that tiger among kings establish Krishna, Rama, and Subhadra there, and protect that sacred place? By what means did this wise ruler install Krishna and the others, worshipped by the gods themselves, in that excellent temple? O best of gods, tell us all these things in detail, recounting the deeds of that wise king without omission. For the nectar of your words never tires us; our curiosity only grows, and we long to hear more. Truly, O best of the twice-born, your question is excellent, for you seek knowledge of an ancient story, one that removes all sin, brings auspiciousness, and grants both enjoyment and liberation. I shall tell you of his deeds as they happened in the Krita age. Listen closely, O foremost sages, with attentive minds and controlled senses. In the land of Malava, there was a glorious city named Avanti, ruled by a king whose fame reached the very summit of the earth. This city was filled with joyful and prosperous people, its strong ramparts and gateways protected by sturdy locks and doors, and its moats gleaming in the sun. Merchants from every land crowded its streets, offering wares of every kind. The avenues were delightful, lined with shops and well-marked crossroads. Houses and towers adorned the city, and royal swans—white, splendid, and graceful with their variegated necks—glided across its waters. Hundreds of thousands of mansions rose in joyful splendor, and the city rang with the sounds of sacrificial festivals, songs, and musical instruments. Flags of many colors fluttered alongside banners, and the streets bustled with elephants, horses, chariots, and throngs of foot soldiers. Warriors of every kind mingled with people from distant regions, and the four varnas—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—lived in harmony, joined by other twice-born. O best of sages, Avanti was prosperous and adorned with learned people. There were no poor, no ignorant, no unclean, no sick or disabled, and none addicted to gambling. Men and women were always joyful and good-natured. Day and night, they played and rejoiced in a hundred ways. The men were well-dressed, with polished earrings, beautiful in form, adorned with divine ornaments, and blessed with all auspicious features. Their hair and cheeks were lovely, their faces pleasant, and their mustaches well-groomed. They were learned in all scriptures and mighty in battle, givers of jewels, and enjoyers of every wealth. There, too, dwelled women of enchanting beauty, who walked with the grace of swans and elephants, their lotus-like eyes blooming with delight. Their waists were slender, their hips shapely, and their breasts full and high. Their hair was beautiful, their faces charming, their cheeks lovely, and their locks steady and graceful. Their necks moved expressively, and their ears sparkled with ornaments. Their lips were like bimba fruit, their faces brightened by betel, and they wore golden jewelry and every kind of ornament. Some were dark, some fair, all with lovely hips. Their girdles and anklets resounded as they moved, and they wore divine garlands and garments, anointed with heavenly fragrances. Skilled and fortunate, these women were pleasing to behold, radiant with beauty and charm, their faces always smiling. In assemblies and courtyards, they played and delighted, enchanting all with their songs, music, stories, and conversation. Chief courtesans, skilled in dance and song, adept in glances and words, possessed every virtue a woman could have. Others were noble women from good families, devoted to their husbands, and adorned with every excellence. The city was further graced with sacred forests and groves, delightful gardens, and divine temples, all adorned with a profusion of flowers. There grew shala, tala, tamala, bakula, nagakesara, pippala, karnikara, sandalwood, aguru, and champaka trees. Puṇnāga, coconut, jackfruit, pine, orange, lakucha, lodhra, saptaparṇa, and auspicious anjana trees flourished there. Mango, bilva, kadamba, shimshapa, dhava, khadira, patala, ashoka, tagara, and various karavira trees added to the beauty. Yellow arjuna, bhallataka, siddha, amrataka, banyan, sacred fig, kashmarya, palasha, and deodar trees stood tall. Mandara, parijata, tamarind, vibhitaka, prachina amalaki, plaksha, jambu, and shirisha trees grew in abundance. Kaleya, kanchanara, madhu-jambira, tinduka, date, agastya, bakula, shakotaka, and haritaka trees were seen everywhere. Kankola, mucukunda, hintala, bijapura, and clusters of ketaki groves, along with atimukta and kubjaka trees, filled the air with fragrance. Jasmine, kundabana, and clusters of banana trees flourished, along with matulunga, areca nuts, karuna, and sindhuvara fruits. Such was the city of Avanti, radiant and prosperous, where King Indradyumna reigned, and from where his great and meritorious deeds began.