Journeying into a wondrous forest, dense with many kinds of trees, King Sudyumna encountered the sage Narada, who bestowed upon him the supreme nine-lettered mantra. With a heart overflowing with devotion, Sudyumna recited this mantra intensely, his every thought filled with love for the Divine. Pleased by his ardent worship, the Goddess herself—endowed with all auspicious qualities, the savior and benefactress of the world—manifested before him. She appeared, seated majestically upon a lion, radiant and beautiful, her eyes gleaming with the joy of Varuni’s nectar. Her very presence was intoxicating, and her form dazzled with divine charm. Overwhelmed with love and awe at this vision, Sudyumna bowed low, his heart brimming with joy, and began to praise the Mother of the universe. He said, “O Goddess, I behold your famed and divine form, revealed for the welfare of all worlds. I bow to your lotus feet, worshipped by the hosts of gods, O giver of all desires, Mother, bestower of liberation. Who in this world can truly know you, Mother, when you assume a mortal form? Even sages and all the gods are bewildered by your mysteries. Witnessing your sovereignty and your compassion for the humble, O Goddess, I am filled with wonder. “Shambhu, Hari, the lotus-born Brahma, Indra, the Sun, Kubera, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Soma—even the Vasus—none know the full extent of your power. How then could a mere human, lacking in qualities, comprehend your virtues? Vishnu, of immeasurable brilliance, knows you directly as the sattvic, ocean-born giver of all things. Who can know you as the rajasic Uma or as your tamasic form, O Mother of the Vedas? Yet truly, none know you as the one beyond all attributes. “Where am I, dull-minded and powerless, and where is your supreme skill, O Mother, who has shown me such grace? I know, O Bhavani, that your deeds overflow with compassion, for you show mercy to those who serve you with devotion. Even Hari and Brahma serve you, yet even Madhusudana does not find joy. The primordial person purifies your feet with fire and sanctifies them with his hand. “Hari, longing deeply, seeks the touch of your feet, freed from sorrow, and the ancient one rejoices. Yet, when angered, you strike even the devoted at your feet, as your husband, praised by all the gods, is tormented by love for you. O Goddess, you always dwell on his broad, peaceful chest, like lightning on a dense cloud, beautifully adorned. Is he not your vehicle, though he is the Lord of the world? “O Mother, if you were to abandon Madhusudana in anger, even if he were worshipped, he would become powerless; for it is seen that people forsake a man who is calm, bereft of fortune, and utterly devoid of virtues, even if he is their own. What need to speak of Brahma and the other gods—or young women—when even those who constantly take refuge at your lotus feet, day and night, are empowered by you alone. Who can measure your might, you of infinite power? “I am uncertain whether you are male or not male, O Goddess, for you manifest as both with qualities and without. I bow to you always with devotion and desire unwavering devotion to you, O Mother.” Having thus offered his praises, the king sought the refuge of the Goddess. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess granted him union with herself. By her grace, Sudyumna attained the highest and most steadfast state—a state difficult even for great sages to reach. After Sudyumna’s ascent to heaven, Pururavas became king. He was virtuous, handsome, and ever intent on the welfare of his subjects. In the splendid city of Pratishthana, he established a rule that was universally respected, upholding all dharma and protecting his people with devotion. Pururavas was wise in counsel, knowledgeable of the hereafter, constantly energetic and strong, and possessed supreme sovereign power. He skillfully employed all means—conciliation, gifts, and more—and governed his realm by establishing the varnas and ashramas in their proper duties. The king performed many sacrifices, gave abundant gifts, and bestowed pure charities. Hearing of his beauty, virtues, generosity, character, wealth, and valor, the celestial nymph Urvashi became captivated and longed for him. Afflicted by a curse from Brahma, she entered the human world and, considering the king’s virtues, chose him as her husband. She set forth her terms: “O king, you must protect these two lambs of mine, O bestower of honor. My food shall always be clarified butter—nothing else. And, O great king, you must not see me naked except during union. If this agreement is broken, I will leave you and depart; this I truly declare.” The king agreed to her conditions, and Urvashi, bound by the agreement and wishing to fulfill the effect of her curse, remained with him. Absorbed in Urvashi, the king spent many years in pleasure, neglecting dharma and his other duties, his mind deluded by passion. He could not bear even a moment without her, so deep was his infatuation. After many years had passed, Indra, dwelling in heaven, noticed that Urvashi had not returned and addressed the Gandharvas: “O Gandharvas, bring Urvashi back! She was taken from the king’s house at the appointed time. My abode does not shine without her; by any means, return that desirous one.” Thus commanded, the Gandharvas, led by Vishvavasu, set out and, under cover of darkness, arrived at the king’s dwelling. Finding the two lambs in the forest, they seized them, and as they were carried away through the sky, the lambs cried out. Hearing the cries, which sounded like those of her own children, Urvashi became distraught and turned to the king: “This agreement was made by me. I am lost to you, having trusted you, for thieves have taken my children from the forest. O king, you remain united with a woman while your sons are gone. I am destroyed by this ignoble, impotent one who boasts of valor; today my two beloved sons have been taken from the forest.” Seeing her lament thus, the king was thrown into confusion. In his haste and distress, he ran after her, naked. In the palace, illuminated by flashes of lightning conjured by the Gandharvas, the king was seen naked by Urvashi, who, bound by her vow, now prepared to depart.