When the king saw his son’s plight, he spoke with concern, “Even the brave are terrified by your very sound—who would give their daughter to you? Tell me, my son, what should I do?” Hearing his father’s troubled words, the wise serpent prince replied calmly. “O King of men, among kings there are many kinds of marriages: by forceful abduction, by contest of arms, and by mutual agreement. If my marriage is accomplished, you will have fulfilled your duty as a father. But if not, I will end my life here in the Gaṅgā—of this, there is no doubt.” Understanding his son’s unwavering resolve, the noble king, though childless apart from him, summoned his ministers to discuss the marriage and addressed them earnestly. “Nāgeśvara is my son, the crown prince—a treasure of virtues. He is righteous, intelligent, heroic, unconquerable, and a tormentor of enemies. With bow in hand, none can match Nāge upon the earth. As I have grown old, it is fitting that his marriage be arranged. Entrusting the kingdom to him, I will be free from care; but until he finds a wife, my son remains my dearest concern. He still retains his childish ways, so I ask you all, devoted to my welfare, to make every effort for his marriage. Once my son is wed, my worries will end. When a son takes on his father’s duties, wise men turn to ascetic life in the forest.” The ministers, hearing the king’s words, spoke with joined palms and joy to their splendid ruler, “Your son excels in every virtue, and your fame is known everywhere. What counsel or concern could there be regarding his marriage?” Yet, the king did not reveal to them that his son was a serpent; nor did they know. The king then asked, “Which maiden is most worthy? Who comes from a noble lineage, is wealthy, and whose father is a virtuous king? Who is fit for alliance, heroic, and whose connection is praised?” Upon hearing this, the wisest among the ministers—noble, virtuous, devoted to the king’s welfare, and skilled in understanding his wishes—spoke up. “In the eastern region, O great king, there rules a king named Vijaya, whose horses, elephants, and jewels are countless. This wise king has eight sons, all mighty archers, and their sister, Bhogavatī, is like another Lakṣmī herself. She would be a worthy bride for your son, as I have said.” Hearing this, the king asked the minister, “How might his daughter become the wife of my son? Tell me that.” The wise minister replied, “O king, I understand your mind. Whatever must be done in the land of Śūrasena, permit me to do it.” Pleased with his words, the king honored the elder minister with ornaments and garments, and sent him forth with a great army. The minister journeyed east, met King Vijaya, and honored him with gracious words and the arts of diplomacy. He spoke of the son of Śūrasena, the prince Nāga, who sought the hand of Bhogavatī. To secure the marriage, the minister made an alliance using both true and expedient words, and presented Vijaya with ornaments, garments, and other gifts. King Vijaya, honored by these gestures, agreed, saying, “I shall give.” The wise elder minister returned to Śūrasena and reported the arrangement. After some time, adorned in splendid garments and accompanied by other ministers, he set out once more with great force. For the marriage, the elder minister, surrounded by counselors, explained everything to King Vijaya. He said, “The son of Śūrasena, the renowned Nāga, wise and a sea of virtues, does not come himself. O king, among Kṣatriyas, marriages are performed in many ways; thus, let the marriage be solemnized with weapons and ornaments. Kṣatriyas and Brāhmaṇas always speak truthfully; therefore, let this marriage with weapons and ornaments be approved.” Hearing these words, King Vijaya, the best among kings, accepted the proposal as true and regarded the minister as the king’s rightful representative. He arranged the marriage of Bhogavatī in every detail and, according to the scriptures, sent her forth with weapons as well. Filled with joy, King Vijaya gave his own ministers, cows, gold, horses, and many other gifts. The counselors, led by the elder minister, took Bhogavatī and journeyed back, presenting her as daughter-in-law to Śūrasena. They reported all that King Vijaya had said, and presented splendid ornaments, maidservants, garments, and other treasures. Having fulfilled their task, Vijaya’s ministers were satisfied, and Śūrasena honored them with great respect. Showing his affection for Vijaya, he sent them home after proper hospitality. The young Bhogavatī, endowed with beauty and youth, now entered her new home. With a graceful form, she always served her mother-in-law and father-in-law, fulfilling her duties with devotion and charm.