Placing his beloved upon his chest, the king sought to comfort her. She was slender-waisted, fasting, and immersed in an ocean of sorrow, her tears flowing as she wept in great distress. With compassion, he awakened her again—not merely from sleep, but with divine knowledge, his own heart awakened in the process. He bestowed upon her that supreme gift which dispels all sorrow, filling her with wisdom and peace. Joyfully, he played, seeing all things as exceedingly transient, his mind free from attachment. Their bodies, overwhelmed by emotion, were covered in goosebumps, and together, in solitude, the two fainted, O sage. In that moment, they became as one body, united like Ardhanārīśvara, the divine form embodying both masculine and feminine. The king cherished her more than his own life, regarding her as the sovereign of his very breath. Adorned beautifully, motionless from the bliss of their union, both were exceedingly charming. They spoke delightful, divine words to each other, laughing together for a moment in joy. They enjoyed betel together, each lovingly offering it to the other. With great affection, they served one another, waving white chowries in gentle devotion. For a time, they engaged in playful sport, their hearts filled with the essence of emotion. Ever victorious, the two were never defeated, not even for a moment. Nārāyaṇa continued: Rising at the brāhma-muhūrta from a bed adorned with flowers, the king left his nightly resting place and bathed in auspicious water. He performed his daily rites as prescribed and offered reverence to his chosen guru. He possessed the finest jewels, the best gems, excellent garments, and gold. Pearls, rubies, diamonds—whatever priceless jewel existed—he owned them all. He had the best of elephants, horses, and charming cows, a thousand treasuries, and three hundred thousand cities. He made his son the lord of kings, shining among the Dānavas, and gathered multitudes of subjects, heaps of wealth, and a variety of vehicles. Through his servants, he assembled an army in due order: ten thousand chariots and thirty crores of archers. Thus, O Nārada, the lord of the Dānavas formed an immeasurable army. He was renowned as a great chariot-warrior, foremost among charioteers in battle. He amassed thirty akṣauhiṇīs and a vast collection of equipment. Ascending a celestial chariot adorned with the finest jewels, he traveled to the bank of the Puṣpabhadrā river, where the auspicious and imperishable banyan tree stands. This holy region, the site of Kapila’s austerities, lies in Bhārata, to the north of Śrīśaila and south of Gandhamādana, where the ever-full, auspicious Puṣpabhadrā river flows. His wife, fond of salt water, was ever endowed with good fortune. She mingled with the waters of the Sharavati and emerged from the Himalayas. There, Shankhacuda arrived and beheld Chandrashekhara, who stood in a yogic posture, his gestures gentle and his smile serene. Chandrashekhara bore a trident and spear, was clad in tiger skin, and was most excellent. He had three eyes, five faces, and wore a serpent as his sacred thread. He removes the death of devotees, is peaceful, beloved of Gauri, and delightful. Easily pleased, his gracious face bestows favor upon devotees. He is the sustainer of the universe, the best in the universe, and the cause of its dissolution. He is the giver of knowledge, the seed of knowledge, the bliss of knowledge, eternal.