The gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and Vidyādharas watched in awe as Kaṇḍu, the sage, performed his austerities with such intensity that it shook the very fabric of creation. His penance was so powerful that the earth, sky, and heaven became heated, affecting all three worlds. Observing his unwavering dedication, the gods exclaimed in wonder, “Ah, what supreme endurance! Ah, what supreme austerity!” Yet their admiration soon turned to anxiety, and, together with Indra, they gathered in fear of Kaṇḍu’s growing power, seeking a way to obstruct his penance. Indra, understanding the gods’ concerns, summoned Pramlocā, the apsaras of enchanting beauty and youthful pride. She was slender-waisted, graceful, with full hips and breasts, adorned with all auspicious marks. Indra, the fruit-destroyer, spoke to her, “Pramlocā, go quickly while the sage is deep in austerity. For the sake of disturbing his penance, O radiant one, agitate him.” Pramlocā replied respectfully, “O best of gods, I will always obey your command, lord; yet I have some fear and doubt for my very life. I fear that sage, steadfast in celibacy, fierce and blazing with austerity, radiant like fire and the sun. If he knows I have come out of anger to hinder him, that supremely powerful Kaṇḍu may utter a curse that is unbearable.” She continued, “Urvaśī, Menakā, Rambhā, Ghṛtācī, Puñjikasthalā, Viśvācī, Sahajanyā, Pūrvacitti, and Tilottamā—along with Alambuṣā, Miśrakeśī, Śaśilekhā, Vāmanā, and other apsarases, all proud of their beauty and youth—are also present. They are slender-waisted, lovely-faced, with full and prominent breasts, skilled in the arts of desire. Assign them there.” Indra listened and replied, “Let the others remain, but you, O auspicious one, are 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, she of beautiful eyes, set out by the path of the sky, accompanied by Kāma, Vasanta, and Vāyu, to Kaṇḍu’s hermitage. Upon arrival, she beheld a splendid, excellent forest and the sage himself, shining with the fire of austerity, dwelling pure and serene in his hermitage. With her companions, Pramlocā gazed upon the delightful forest, reminiscent of Nandana, filled with flowers of all seasons and thronged by branch-dwelling deer. The sacred forest was vibrant with lotus strength, lush leaves and shoots, and pleasing sweet sounds from birds. She saw trees laden with fruit and flowers in every season, their branches alive with birdsong. 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. She saw many more trees: aśoka, puṃnāga, ketakī, bakula, pārijāta, kovidāra, mandāra, indīvara, pāṭala, devadāru, śāla, tāla, tamāla, nicula, lomaka, and others, all laden with fruit and flowers. The air was alive with chakora birds, lotuses, king of bees, parrots, cuckoos, kalavingkas, green birds, and jivajivakas. There were beloved offspring, chataka birds, and countless other birds, all making sweet, delightful sounds, pleasing to the ear. Charming lakes with clear waters sparkled, adorned with kumuda, lotuses, and beautiful blue water-lilies. The lakes brimmed with kahlara and lotus flowers, kadamba trees, chakravaka birds, and water-fowl. Karandava ducks, cranes, swans, tortoises, madgu birds, and other water-dwellers thrived all around. Step by step, Pramlocā wandered through this wondrous and delightful forest with her companions. Her eyes widened in astonishment at the beauty surrounding her. She then spoke to Vayu, Kama, and Vasanta, “All of you, separately, render me your assistance.” Having spoken, she was answered, “So be it,” by the gods. She declared, “Today I will go to where that sage is established. Today I will make him, the one who restrains his senses like horses, whose body is emaciated, radiant with the missile of love, the charioteer of desire. Whether he be Brahma, Janardana, or even Nilalohita, still today I will make him wounded by the arrows of love.” With resolve, Pramlocā went to where Kaṇḍu was. By the power of his austerity, the hermitage was free from wild beasts. Standing on the riverbank, as sweet as a male cuckoo, she lingered for a moment, and then, that excellent apsaras began to sing. Suddenly, Vasanta exerted his power, making the sound of cuckoos sweet and enchanting, even out of season.