In the heart of a realm stretching a thousand yojanas, filled completely with devoted attendants, there stood a magnificent figure. He dwelled in the central region, radiant like Indra encircled by stars, commanding reverence and awe. Adorned with a shining crown, glittering earrings, and a garland woven from the forest, he was a vision of majesty. His complexion was dark and lustrous, like a fresh raincloud, beautiful and captivating to all who beheld him. His entire body was anointed with fragrant sandalwood, and in his hand he held a lotus, the symbol of playful grace. Around him, the river Gaṅgā served with supreme devotion, waving white fly-whisks in honor. Those who witnessed this distinguished, utterly complete Lord found their bodies thrilled with ecstasy; their eyes brimmed with tears, and their voices trembled in awe. Even the creator of worlds stood before him, hands joined in reverence. Hari, the all-knowing, who perceives the hearts of all, listened to their words and spoke: “Long ago, my devotee—the mighty Gopa—was foremost among my attendants. Listen, O gods, to this ancient story. Sudāmā by name, a Gopa, stood highest among my companions. Once, I departed from my abode and entered the circle of the Rāsa. Virajayā, having learned from my attendants about me, recognized me as Virajā, the river, and saw that I had vanished from her sight. At another time, the goddess saw me in the palace, together with Sudāmā. Sudāmā, seeing her, became greatly angry with both her and you. Hearing this, the goddess herself grew enraged; her eyes blazed red like lotus petals. She rose up with all her companions, her radiance unstoppable and fierce. Filled with anger, she cursed Sudāmā. She cried out again and again, ‘O child, stay, do not go! Where are you going?’ All the gopīs and gopas wept, deeply distressed by these events. Yet, it was said, ‘He will return in half a moment, after fulfilling the curse.’ In Goloka, half a moment is equal to one manvantara. That very Śaṃkhacūḍa will return there once more. ‘Take up my trident and quickly go to Bhārata,’ she instructed. ‘Wear my auspicious armor around your neck. While that armor is upon you, no one will be able to harm you.’ But a time would come when his wife’s chastity would be broken. ‘I will surely deposit my seed in the womb of his wife. Afterwards, she will abandon her body and become my beloved.’ Thus, having offered the spear, Hari joyfully entered within. Nārāyaṇa continued: He went quickly to his own abode, to his proper place, O great sage. On the bank of the river Candrabhāgā, beneath a charming banyan tree, he appointed Puṣpadanta, the lord of Gandharvas, as his messenger, as he wished. By the lord’s command, Puṣpadanta swiftly journeyed to that excellent city. This city, O sage, was five yojanas wide and twice as long, surrounded by seven formidable moats. It was always adorned with countless jewels, shining like blazing fire. All around, groups of merchants gathered, resplendent with a variety of goods, adding to the city’s grandeur and prosperity.