In ancient times, there lived a sage named Kaṇḍu, renowned for his brilliance and supreme righteousness. He was ever truthful in speech, pure in conduct, self-controlled, and devoted to the welfare of all beings. Having mastered his senses and conquered anger, Kaṇḍu was accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. Through steadfast worship of the Supreme Person, he attained the highest perfection. He was not alone in his virtue; other accomplished sages dwelt near him, firm in their vows, devoted to the good of all beings, self-restrained, conquerors of anger, and free from envy. Curious about Kaṇḍu’s story and how he achieved such a supreme state, the sages gathered and asked for his tale. “Please tell us about Kaṇḍu, O noble one,” they requested. “Listen, O best of sages,” came the reply, “to the delightful story of Kaṇḍu. I shall briefly recount his deeds.” On the pure and enchanting bank of the river Gomati, in a secluded and beautiful place abundant with roots, fruits, and flowers, and supplied with sacred sticks and kusa grass, Kaṇḍu established his hermitage. The area was adorned with various trees and creepers, resplendent with many kinds of flowers, and filled with the melodious calls of diverse birds. Groups of animals roamed freely in this haven. Kaṇḍu’s hermitage was rich with fruits and flowers in every season, decorated with clusters of banana trees. There, the sage performed wondrous and great austerities—observing vows, fasts, disciplines, frequent bathing, silence, and strict self-control. In summer, he practiced the fivefold fire austerity; in the rainy season, he lay on the bare ground; and in winter, wearing wet garments, he performed intense penance. The power of Kaṇḍu’s austerity astonished the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and Vidyādharas alike. Such was the force of his penance that the earth, sky, and heaven became heated, affecting all three worlds. Witnessing his steadfastness, the gods exclaimed in awe, “Ah, what supreme endurance! Ah, what supreme austerity!” Yet, anxious and fearful of his growing power, the gods, together with Indra, deliberated on how to obstruct Kaṇḍu’s austerity. Indra, lord of the three worlds, understood their intent and summoned Pramlocā—a celestial maiden of lovely form, proud of her beauty and youth. She was slender-waisted, graceful in limb, with full hips and breasts, adorned with all auspicious marks. Indra, the fruit-destroyer, spoke to her: “Pramlocā, go quickly while the sage is engaged in austerity. For the sake of disturbing his penance, O radiant one, agitate him.” Pramlocā replied, “O best of gods, I shall always do your bidding, lord; yet I harbor some fear and doubt about my very life. I fear that sage, steadfast in the vow of celibacy, exceedingly fierce, ablaze with austerity, radiant like fire and the sun. If he knows I have come out of anger to hinder him, that supremely powerful sage Kaṇḍu may utter a curse that is unbearable.” She reminded Indra of the other Apsarases—Urvaśī, Menakā, Rambhā, Ghṛtācī, Puñjikasthalā, Viśvācī, Sahajanyā, Pūrvacitti, and Tilottamā; Alambuṣā, Miśrakeśī, Śaśilekhā, Vāmanā, and others—who were proud of their beauty and youth. She suggested assigning these skilled, lovely-faced, slender-waisted maidens, experts in the arts of desire, to the task. But Indra, lord of Śacī, replied, “Let the others remain, but you, O auspicious one, are most skilled here. For your assistance, I grant you Kāma, Vasanta, and Vāyu; go with them, O fair-hipped one, to where that great sage dwells.” Hearing Śakra’s words, Pramlocā of beautiful eyes journeyed by the path of the sky, accompanied by Kāma, Vasanta, and Vāyu, to the sage’s hermitage. Upon arrival, she beheld a splendid and excellent forest, and the sage himself—blazing with austerity, dwelling in his hermitage, free from impurity. Together with her companions, she gazed upon the delightful forest, reminiscent of Nandana, filled with flowers of all seasons and crowded with groups of branch-dwelling deer. The place was sacred, endowed with lotus strength, adorned with great leaves and shoots, filled with pleasing, sweet sounds made by birds. She saw trees laden with fruit in every season, shining with flowers, and resounding with birds. There were mangoes, wild mangoes, splendid coconuts, tindukas, bilvas, jīvas, pomegranates, and seed-filled fruits; jackfruits, lakucas, nīpas, beautiful sirīṣas, pigeons, kolas, arimedas, and sour vetasas; bhallātakas, āmalakas, śataparṇas, kiṃśukas, iṅgudas, karavīras, harītakis, and vibhītakas. Pramlocā of wide eyes saw these and many other trees—such as aśoka, puṃnāga, ketakī, and bakula. She also saw pārijāta, kovidāra, mandāra, indīvara, pāṭala, beautiful blossoming trees, and devadāru trees. There were śāla, tāla, tamāla, nicula, lomaka, and other excellent trees, laden with fruit and flowers. The forest teemed with chakora birds, lotuses, king of bees, parrots, cuckoos, kalavingkas, green birds, and jivajivakas; with beloved offspring, chataka birds, and many other kinds, all making sweet and delightful sounds, pleasing to the ear. Charming lakes with clear waters sparkled, adorned with kumuda, lotuses, and beautiful blue water-lilies. All around, kahlara and lotus flowers bloomed, alongside kadamba trees, chakravaka birds, and water-fowl. Such was the enchanting hermitage and forest that Pramlocā beheld, where the sage Kaṇḍu dwelled, immersed in his profound austerities.