Varuṇa, deeply respected by his brother-in-law, made his way to Mahāśani, the mighty son of Hiraṇya and lord of the demons. Upon Varuṇa’s arrival, Mahāśani, honoring the bond with his father-in-law, greeted him with due respect and inquired about the purpose of his visit. Varuṇa spoke plainly, revealing his intention: “O mighty-armed one, grant me Indra, whom you once defeated and bound in the netherworld—Indra, the lord of the gods and my friend. Return to us the one who is honored by all, O slayer of my enemy. By binding and releasing such an enemy, your fame among the virtuous will become even greater.” Though reluctant, Mahāśani, lord of the demons, agreed, saying, “So be it.” He handed over Indra—Śacī’s beloved—still bound with his elephant, to Varuṇa. There, amidst the gathered demons, Mahāśani, radiant in his power, honored Hari with great offerings in Varuṇa’s presence, and then turned to address Maghavan, Indra himself. He questioned Indra, “By whose power have you regained the title of Indra today? What strength allows you to speak so boldly in battle and to reclaim your station, even when pressed by enemies? This is most strange. Still, as it is proper for a husband to release his wife if she is bound, so too must you be released. Women are not independent; men are foremost. You, O Śakra, will indeed become a true man, O noble one.” Mahāśani continued, “All that you possess—your vehicle, your mighty thunderbolt, the wish-fulfilling jewel, the Nandana garden, the celestial women, your fame and strength—these are for the enjoyment of the king of the gods. Life itself, which is the treasure of fame, becomes death when it stands against true renown. Knowing this, O Śakra, how have you, after being released by the lords of the waters, not felt any shame? Dwelling in heaven, surrounded by the gods, fanned by your beloved, praised by the Apsarases—surely, I think, even shame is afraid to approach you.” He reminded Indra of his past glories: “You are the slayer of Vṛtra and Namuci, destroyer of cities, breaker of enclosures, wielder of the thunderbolt. The gods honor you for these deeds—so, O conqueror, renounce all pride. Those who, having undergone humiliation born of enmity, continue to live among the worlds—how can one born from a lotus, like you, not feel a breaking of the heart at such disgrace?” Having delivered these words, the lord of the Daityas returned Indra to Varuṇa and then addressed him further: “From this day forward, Indra shall be the disciple, and Varuṇa the teacher—my father-in-law, by whom you, O Vāsava, have gained your release. Thus, you must conduct yourself as a servant toward Varuṇa; if you do not, I will bind you again and cast you into the netherworld.” Rebuking Śakra with laughter, Mahāśani dismissed him, saying, “Go, go,” and gave his consent to Varuṇa. Indra, heavy with shame, returned to his own abode and confided in Paulomī, his beloved, recounting all that had transpired—including his defeat at the hands of his enemy. Deeply troubled, he asked her, “O fair-faced one, tell me by what means I may restore myself.” Paulomī replied with gentle wisdom, “I know, O destroyer of strength, the origins of the Dānavas, their magic, their defeats, the boons they received, and their deaths. Therefore, listen as I tell you all that may lead to his defeat or death, for your satisfaction. Mahāśani, son of Hiraṇya and his uncle’s son as well, is my brother—powerful and made arrogant by the boon he received. He pleased Brahmā through austerity and discipline; having gained such power, what is there that he cannot accomplish? Therefore, do not let attachment or amazement arise in your mind. Listen now to what must be done, step by step.” With humility, Paulomī continued to counsel Indra: “Nothing is unattainable through austerity, nothing is unattainable through sacrificial acts, nothing is out of reach for Viṣṇu, lord of the worlds, or for Hara, through devotion. Once again, my dear, I have heard something most excellent: only women themselves truly know the nature of women, O lord of the gods. Therefore, nothing is unattainable for the earth and for women; from them, through austerity, sacrifice, or other acts, all things arise.” She advised, “Among sacred places, the earth holds one that must be visited. There, by worshipping Viṣṇu and Shiva, you will fulfill all your desires. I have also heard that women devoted to their husbands alone know everything, all that is possessed—moving and unmoving. The essence of the earth is found within, and in its midst lies the Dandaka forest; there, the Ganga, sustainer of the world, resides—worship the Lord there, O master. Worship Viṣṇu, remover of distress and suffering, the mighty one who rescues the helpless and those sinking in the ocean of sorrow.” Paulomī concluded, “There is no other refuge than Hara, Hari, or Ganga. Therefore, with all your heart and effort, strive to please them. With devotion, hymns, and austerity, worship together with me; then you will obtain auspiciousness born from the grace of Shiva and Viṣṇu. Without knowledge, a deed yields only its ordinary fruit; with knowledge, it yields a hundredfold, and with the wife, its rewards become inexhaustible. In all undertakings, the wife alone is a man’s true companion; even in the smallest task, success is not possible without her. Whatever action is performed alone yields only half its fruit; but when performed with the wife, O lord, a man obtains abundant reward. Therefore, understand this well: the wife is one’s half, as is taught. In the Dandaka forest, the best river, Gautami, is said to exist. She removes all sins and grants all desired blessings. Therefore, come with me there and perform meritorious acts of great fruit. Then, having slain your enemies in battle, you will obtain great happiness.” Thus, Paulomī’s wise counsel restored hope to Indra, guiding him toward the path of victory and fulfillment.