Once, there was a king whose daughter had lost her sight. In his desperation, the king proclaimed that whoever could restore her vision—regardless of whether they were a Vaiśya or even of Śūdra birth, whether they possessed noble qualities or not—would be given his daughter in marriage. Not only that, but the king declared that the kingdom itself would be bestowed upon such a benefactor. This announcement was made day and night, echoing throughout the land. Among those who heard this proclamation was a Vaiśya, who, moved by the king’s promise, boldly declared, “I will restore the princess’s sight, without any doubt.” The king’s men swiftly brought the Vaiśya before the king. With a simple touch of a piece of wood, the princess’s sight was miraculously restored. Astonished by this marvel, the king asked the Vaiśya, “Who are you?” The Vaiśya humbly recounted all that had led to his extraordinary ability—how, by the grace of brāhmaṇas, through righteousness and austerity, by the power of giving gifts and performing sacrifices rich in offerings, and by the potency of divine herbs, he had attained such power. Hearing these words, the king was filled with wonder. He thought, “What a man of great power is this! He must surely be a divine being; otherwise, how could such ability be seen in another? Therefore, I will give him my daughter, along with the kingdom.” Having resolved thus, the king fulfilled his promise, giving both his daughter and the kingdom to the Vaiśya. Free from the burdens of rule, the king departed to enjoy his leisure, but soon he fell into deep distress. He realized, “Without a friend, there is no kingdom; without a friend, there is no happiness.” Constantly thinking of the brāhmaṇa who had helped him, the son of the Vaiśya was filled with longing, recognizing that true nobility lies in a heart tender with compassion, even toward those who have wronged them. The great king Maṇikuṇḍala, having lost his wealth to wicked gamblers, wandered into the forest. During his wanderings, he once met his brāhmaṇa friend Gautama. Maṇikuṇḍala, remembering their bond, welcomed Gautama with honor and reverence, for he was learned in righteousness. The king spoke to him about the power of righteousness, and together they bathed in the sacred Gaṅgā to wash away all sins. Surrounded by the brāhmaṇa, his kinsmen, Vaiśyas from his own land, and the brāhmaṇa’s relatives, and in the company of elders led by Kauśika, Maṇikuṇḍala performed sacrifices and worshipped the gods in the presence of the lord of yogis. Having completed these sacred rites, he attained heaven. From that time, the place became renowned as “the reviver of the dead,” the holy site of vision, the abode of the lord of yogis. Merely remembering this sacred spot bestows merit, brings peace of mind, and destroys all evil thoughts. Nearby was another holy place, called Urvaśī, which bestows the fruit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice through bathing, giving gifts, and worship of Mahādeva and Vāsudeva. There, where the great gods Maheśvara and Hari reside, was a mighty king named Pramati, a universal sovereign. Having conquered his enemies, Pramati journeyed to Indra’s realm, surrounded by the gods. There, O Nārada, he beheld Indra, the lord of the gods, together with the Maruts. Pramati, foremost among warriors, seized Indra, who held a noose in his hand. Seeing Indra laugh, Hari spoke to Pramati: “O wise one, enough of playing with the Maruts in the temple of the gods! Having conquered the directions and reached heaven, come, play with me.” Hearing Hari’s invitation, King Pramati replied, “So be it.” He then asked Indra, “What forfeit do you consider appropriate?” Indra replied, “Urvaśī herself is our stake, to be won by all through sacrifices.” Pramati, proud and confident, accepted: “I consider Urvaśī to be the forfeit. What do you think, O king?” Indra agreed, and Pramati said, “For the forfeit, give your right hand, armed and righteous; let us play.” They approached the gaming board, and Pramati emerged victorious, winning Urvaśī, the celestial maiden. In his anger, Pramati demanded something else for the forfeit and told Indra he could play again later. Indra then offered his divine, victorious chariot with Vajra, fit for the gods, as the next stake. Pramati, laughing, took the nooses and jeweled ornaments, declaring his victory to Indra. At that moment, Nārada, the knower of dice, arrived, accompanied by Viśvāvasu, the lord of the Gandharvas. They proposed, “O king, let us play with you using the Gandharva art of dice.” The king agreed and again declared victory after defeating them. Out of foolishness, he spoke harshly to Indra: “Whether in battle or in play, you can never win, O Mahendra. Therefore, always be devoted to us. Tell me, by what means did you become the lord of the gods?” Puffed up with pride, Pramati then said to Urvaśī, “Go, become a servant.” Urvaśī replied, “As I behave among the gods, so shall I behave with you, with all my heart; you should not reproach me.” But Pramati insisted, “There are many women like you. Why are you ashamed, O good lady? Go, become a servant.” Turning to the lord of the Gandharvas, known then as Citraseṇa, the powerful son of Viśvāvasu, the king challenged him: “O king, I will contend with you in a game, staking all—my kingdom, my life, and yours as well.” Both, eager for the contest, agreed and played the game. This time, Citraseṇa won. The Gandharvas bound King Pramati with great bonds. Citraseṇa claimed everything, and above all, he won Urvaśī as his prize.