The wise and discerning minister approached the great king, perceiving his thoughts and intentions. He humbly addressed the king, saying, “O mighty king, I understand what occupies your mind. Whatever task you wish accomplished in Śūrasena, grant me your permission to carry it out.” Pleased with the minister’s words, the king honored him with splendid ornaments and garments, and then dispatched him with a great army to fulfill his mission. When the minister arrived in the eastern region, he met with the illustrious king there and honored him with words and strategies drawn from the science of governance. At this time, the wise Nāga, son of Śūrasena, sought the hand of Bhogavatī, the king’s daughter, in marriage. To secure this alliance, Nāga made promises—some true, some not—and presented the king with ornaments, garments, and many other gifts. After receiving such honors, the king agreed, saying, “I shall give her in marriage.” The elder minister, ever prudent, then returned to Śūrasena to report on the marriage arrangements. After some time had passed, the wise minister again adorned himself with splendid garments and ornaments. Accompanied by all the other ministers and a great retinue, he journeyed back with haste and vigor. Surrounded by counselors, the elder minister explained all the details of the marriage to the great king. He informed the king that Nāga, the renowned and virtuous son of Śūrasena, would not be present for the marriage ceremony. “O king,” he said, “marriages among Kṣatriyas are performed in various ways. Therefore, let this marriage be solemnized with weapons and ornaments, as is proper for our order. Both Kṣatriyas and Brāhmaṇas speak truthfully; let this marriage with weapons and ornaments be approved.” Hearing these words, King Vijaya, best among kings, recognized the truth and wisdom in the minister’s counsel and treated him as the representative of the king. Vijaya performed the marriage of his daughter Bhogavatī with great attention to detail and in accordance with the scriptures, sending her forth with weapons as befitted a royal marriage. Overjoyed, King Vijaya bestowed generous gifts upon his ministers: cows, gold, horses, and much more. Then, the counselors, led by the elder minister, took Bhogavatī and journeyed to Śūrasena, presenting her as a daughter-in-law. They conveyed Vijaya’s greetings and gifts—splendid ornaments, maidservants, garments, and other treasures—to Śūrasena. Having accomplished their mission, the ministers of Vijaya were satisfied and honored by King Śūrasena with great respect. Śūrasena, showing affection for Vijaya, extended proper hospitality before bidding them farewell. Now living in her new home, the youthful and beautiful Bhogavatī devoted herself to serving her mother-in-law and father-in-law with grace and humility. Meanwhile, her husband, the lord of Bhogavatī, was a mighty and fearsome serpent who dwelt alone in a splendid, jewel-adorned house, secluded and peaceful. Within this cool and fragrant abode, the serpent frequently spoke to his mother and father, expressing his longing: “My wife is a princess—why does she not come to me?” Hearing her son’s words, the serpent’s mother sent the nurse to Bhogavatī, instructing her, “Go quickly and tell Bhogavatī that her husband is a serpent. Let us see how she responds.” The nurse obeyed and, finding Bhogavatī alone, spoke to her with respect: “O noble lady, I know your husband is a divine being. But you must never reveal this to anyone—your husband is indeed a serpent, not a man.” Upon hearing this, Bhogavatī replied, “Among humans, a husband is usually a man; but to have a husband of divine birth is a blessing earned by great merit.” She conveyed these words to the serpent, his mother, and the king. Hearing this, the king wept, reflecting on the workings of fate. Bhogavatī, in turn, spoke again to her friend as before: “Show me your beloved husband, for my youth is passing away in vain.” Thus, she was shown her husband—the exceedingly fearsome serpent—alone, upon a bed strewn with fragrant flowers. Seeing her husband, adorned with jewels and awe-inspiring in form, Bhogavatī joined her hands in reverence and addressed him without delay: “I am blessed, I am favored, for my husband is my divine lord.” With these words, she remained by his side, delighting the serpent with gestures of affection, sweet songs, and gentle touches. She pleased him with fragrant flowers and drinks, and by her devotion, the serpent’s memory was restored. Remembering all that had been divinely ordained, the serpent spoke to his beloved at night. The princess asked, “Beloved, why is it that I am not afraid upon seeing you?” He replied, “Who can defy what fate has decreed? For women, the husband is always the ordained path, and thus it is especially so.” Delighted by her words, the serpent smiled and said, “I am pleased with your devotion. What boon shall I grant you? By my favor, O beautiful one, you have regained all your memory. Know that I was cursed by the god of gods, the wrathful Pinākin. In the hand of Maheśvara, I, the mighty serpent and son of Śeṣa, was born.