Dharma, Śani, Īśāna, and the mighty Kāmadeva were present, each radiant in their own glory. Then, there appeared a resplendent goddess, clad in red garments, adorned with red garlands and fragrant unguents, her very presence exuding divine power. To her devotees, she bestowed fearlessness, but to her enemies, she was the source of dread. In one of her hands, she held a skull, perfectly round and immense, as deep and wide as a yojana. In her other hands, she bore a conch, a discus, a mace, a lotus, sharp arrows, and a terrifying bow—each weapon gleaming with celestial energy. She was further armed with the Vaiṣṇava weapon, the Vāruṇa weapon, the Āgneya, and the serpent noose, and also possessed the Pārjanya, the Pāśupata, the Jṛmbhaṇa, and the Pārvata weapons, along with countless other divine missiles—one hundred supreme astras in all. Arriving in the assembly, she was attended by thirty million Yoginīs, accompanied by spirits, ghosts, piśācas, kūṣmāṇḍas, and brahmarākṣasas. In their midst, Skanda respectfully bowed to Candraśekhara, acknowledging his supreme authority. Meanwhile, after the messenger had departed, the valiant Śaṃkhacūḍa heard the news of impending battle. The weight of the moment pressed upon him; his throat, lips, and palate became parched with anxiety. At that time, Tulasī, his devoted wife, approached him and said, “O god who presides over life, protect my life for a moment.” Her voice trembled with concern, as she pleaded for his well-being. Śaṃkhacūḍa, ever compassionate, replied gently, “Enjoy, in each birth, whatever pleasure your heart desires. My own life is swaying, and my mind is constantly scorched by worry.” Hearing Tulasī’s words, the king, having eaten and drunk, sought to soothe her. He spoke of the nature of existence: “Auspiciousness, joy, pleasure, pain, fear, sorrow, and inauspiciousness—all arise in their own time. Even trees grow branches only as time dictates, and their fruits ripen and mature only when the time is right. All beings come into existence in time, and in time they depart from this world. The creator brings forth life at the appointed hour, and the protector preserves it according to time’s law.” He continued, “The Lord, who is beyond all nature, is the origin of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and all others. As creator, protector, and destroyer, He acts always in full measure. At the proper time, that very Lord fashions nature by His own will. From Brahma down to the smallest blade of grass, all is indeed the work of His design. Therefore, worship the true, supreme Brahman—Radha’s Lord—who is beyond the three qualities of nature.” “He creates water from water, and sustains water with water. By His command, the wind blows swiftly and continually. As each moment passes, Indra sends rain, and death moves among all creatures. The root of death is time; the root of time is the supreme Lord of Yama. Seek refuge, then, in Krishna, the destroyer of the destroyer.” With gentle wisdom, Śaṃkhacūḍa asked, “Who am I, who are you, and what is this fate by which we were joined long ago? The ignorant, fearful in sorrow and adversity, are not wise. You will certainly attain Narayana, the Lord of all, your beloved. You were won by me through austerity and the boon of Brahma. In Vṛndāvana, you will attain Govinda in Goloka. There, you will see me, and I will see you constantly. I will return there again; why should I grieve, my dear one? After leaving this body and assuming a divine form, at that time, you will attain Hari. Do not be anxious, beloved.” Comforted by his words, Tulasī slept well that night, upon a beautiful bed adorned with flowers and sandalwood paste. The chamber was aglow with jeweled lamps, and he, having obtained the jewel among women, cherished his beautiful, virtuous wife.