Because of Rādhikā’s curse, the lord of the Dānavas now dwells in Bhārata. Even the highest states—sharing the same world, opulence, form, nearness, or oneness with Hari—are regarded as insignificant by the devotee of Vishnu. Brahmahood, immortality, all these lofty attainments hold little value for one who loves Krishna. What benefit is there, then, for you, a devotee of Krishna, in wandering among the domains of the gods? Remain happily in your own sovereignty; let the gods remain in theirs. Whatever sins may exist—even those as grave as killing a Brahmin—and even if, O king of kings, you consider the loss of your own wealth, remember: when the cosmic dissolution occurs, even Brahma disappears. Knowledge, intellect, asceticism, and memory are established in the world, but the highest dharma is always based on truth and supported by truth. In the previous age, only one part of Kali existed, and its decline happened gradually. Just as the radiance of the sun differs between summer and winter, so too does change come slowly. With time, the sun rises, and childhood comes gradually. During the day, it becomes obscured, especially on a dense, cloudy day. The full moon is complete on the night of the full moon, but it does not remain so always; it wanes day by day, only to regain fullness after the new moon, increasing day by day. On a day eclipsed by Rahu, in gloomy weather, when the sky is densely clouded, the moon appears faded. But in the future, the moon will regain its strength; for now, its splendor has fallen to the netherworld. In time, she was submerged in water, disappeared, and fell into misfortune. All moving and unmoving beings perish and arise again in due course. I am the conqueror of death, for countless dissolutions of nature have occurred. He is the form of nature, and he is also remembered as the Purusha. Whoever constantly recites the names and qualities of that One, by him, the creator was made as Brahma, the protector as Vishnu, and the world came into being. He appointed Rudra as the fire of time for destruction, within the domain, O king. Therefore, I am the conqueror of death, and by this knowledge, I am fearless. Having spoken thus, the Lord of all, omniscient and creator of all beings, was praised again and again by the king. Shankhachuda then said, “Still, let something true be heard—my submission. You have now spoken of three great sins in the betrayal of kin. Tell me: how was Hiranyaksha, along with his brothers, harmed by the gods? Long ago, during the churning of the ocean, the nectar was consumed by the gods. This universe is a plaything of Krishna, the Supreme Soul. The conflict between gods and demons is always occasional and perpetual. In the conflict between us, your journey will be fruitless. Now, a great shame arises—a rivalry with us.” Hearing Shankhachuda’s words, the three-eyed one laughed and said, “O king, what great shame or disgrace is there in defeat? At the beginning, there was battle between Hari and Madhu and Kaitabha. There was also battle with Hiranyaksha, and again with the wielder of the mace.