The Blessed Lord began to speak, recounting an ancient story to the assembled gods. He told them of his mighty devotee, Sudāmā, a Gopa and foremost among his attendants. Once, the Lord journeyed from his own abode to the sacred circle of Rāsa. There, Virajayā, having learned from the attendants about the Lord’s presence together with Virajayā, recognized him as Virajā in the form of a river and saw that he had vanished. On another occasion, the goddess witnessed the Lord in his palace, accompanied by Sudāmā. Sudāmā, seeing this, became greatly angry with both the goddess and the gods. The goddess, hearing of Sudāmā’s anger, was herself enraged; her eyes blazed red like lotus petals. Rising up with all her companions, her radiance became unstoppable, and in her fury, she cursed Sudāmā. She cried out repeatedly, “O child, stay, do not go! Where are you going?” All the gopīs and gopas wept, overwhelmed with distress. The Lord assured them, “He will return in half a moment, after fulfilling the curse.” In Goloka, half a moment is equal to one manvantara. It was declared that Śaṃkhacūḍa would return there again. The goddess instructed, “Take up my trident and quickly go to Bhārata. Wear my auspicious armor around your neck. O Brahman, while that armor is upon you, no one will be able to harm you.” She foretold that a time would come when his wife’s chastity would be broken, and that she herself would deposit her seed in the womb of his wife. Afterwards, the wife would abandon her body and become the goddess’s beloved. Having offered the spear, Hari entered within, joyful. Nārāyaṇa continued: Sudāmā went swiftly to his own abode, to his rightful place. 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 quickly journeyed to that excellent city. The city, the sage was told, was five yojanas wide and twice as long, protected by seven formidable moats. It was always adorned with countless jewels, shining like blazing fire. Groups of merchants surrounded it, displaying a wealth of goods. Divine hermitages, beautifully decorated, were scattered throughout. The city was exceedingly circular, like the disc of the full moon. It was nearly impossible for enemies to enter, yet easy and pleasant for others. Splendid with twelve gates, each guarded by vigilant gatekeepers, the city was adorned with hundreds of thousands of mansions, studded with precious gems. Its doors and vessels sparkled with jewels. The city was perpetually protected by countless Dānavas, handsome and well-dressed, adorned with various ornaments. At the gate stood a smiling man, holding a spear. Puṣpadanta narrated the events to him and, with permission, departed on his mission.