Hari, the Supreme Lord, yearned deeply for the touch of the goddess’s feet, seeking them with the longing of one freed from sorrow, and in their presence, the Ancient Person rejoiced. Yet, when anger stirred within her, she could strike even those most devoted at her feet, even as her own husband—praised by all the gods—was himself overcome and tormented by love for her. O Divine Mother, you ever dwell upon his broad, tranquil chest as if it were your own splendid couch, radiant there like a flash of lightning on a dense, dark cloud. Though he is the Lord of the world, is he not, in truth, your very vehicle? If, O Mother, you were ever to abandon Madhusudana in anger, even the worship of all beings could not preserve his power. For it is seen that people forsake even a calm and gentle man if he is bereft of fortune and devoid of virtues, no matter how close he may be to them. What need is there to speak of Brahma and the host of other gods—or even of beautiful women—when even men who seek refuge at your lotus feet day and night are empowered by you alone? Who can truly fathom your might, O you of infinite power? O Goddess, I am left uncertain whether you are male or not male, for you manifest as both, with qualities and without. To you I offer my constant devotion, and I pray for unwavering love and faith in you, O Mother. Having thus been praised, the king earnestly sought her refuge. The Goddess, pleased by his devotion, granted him union with herself. By her grace, Sudyumna attained the highest, steadfast state—a state so rare that even sages find it difficult to reach. After Sudyumna ascended to heaven, Pururavas became king. He was virtuous and handsome, ever intent on pleasing his subjects. In the splendid city of Pratishthana, he established a rule renowned by all, being fully versed in dharma and dedicated to the protection of his people. He kept his counsel well-guarded, possessed knowledge of the hereafter, and was ever energetic and strong, wielding supreme sovereign power. All means of rule—conciliation, gifts, and more—were under his command. He governed by establishing the varnas and ashramas in their proper duties. This king performed many sacrifices, gave abundant gifts, and bestowed pure charities. News of his beauty, virtues, generosity, character, wealth, and valor reached Urvashi, who became captivated by him and longed for his company. Afflicted by a curse from Brahma, Urvashi entered the world of men. Upon seeing the virtuous king, the proud celestial maiden chose him as her husband. She made an agreement with the king: “O king, you must protect these two lambs of mine, O bestower of honor. My food shall always be clarified butter—nothing else may I eat. 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 accepted all that the desiring Urvashi had said, and she remained with him, bound by the agreement, wishing to fulfill the effect of her curse. Absorbed in Urvashi, the king spent many years in pleasure, neglecting dharma and his other duties, deluded by passion. His mind became fixed on her alone; he could not endure even a moment without her, so utterly infatuated was he. After many years had passed, Indra in heaven noticed that Urvashi had not returned. He addressed the Gandharvas: “O Gandharvas, all of you, bring Urvashi back to me! She must be taken from the king’s house at the appointed time. My abode does not shine without Urvashi; by any means, bring her back.” Thus commanded, the Gandharvas, led by Vishvavasu, went forth. When deep darkness had fallen, they arrived at the king’s abode. There, seeing the two divine beings enjoying themselves in the forest, the Gandharvas seized Urvashi’s lambs. The two creatures cried out as they were carried away through the sky. Hearing these cries, which sounded like those of her own children, Urvashi became angry and spoke 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 became bewildered. Naked, he hurried after her. In the palace, illuminated by flashes of lightning conjured by the Gandharvas, the king was seen naked by Urvashi, who now wished to depart. The Gandharvas, having left the forest, departed, and the king, exhausted and naked, seized the two lambs and returned to his house. But seeing Urvashi gone, he fell into deep sorrow and lamented greatly. The noble lady, seeing her husband naked, had departed as per the agreement. The king wandered from place to place, his mind disturbed, crying out in grief, helpless and overwhelmed by desire. As he wandered across the earth, he finally saw Urvashi at Kurukshetra. Seeing her, the best of kings, his face filled with joy, called out: “Ah, wife, stay, stay! In this terrible place, you should not abandon me, your beloved, who is devoted to you and innocent. This body will fall here, O goddess, taken far away by you; wolves and crows will devour it, since you, O fair one, have abandoned it.” As he lamented thus, Urvashi spoke to the miserable, exhausted, and helpless king, tormented by desire: “You are a fool, O tiger among kings! Where has your wisdom gone? There is no true friendship with women, O king, just as there is none with wolves. One should not place trust in women, thieves, or kings. Go home, enjoy yourself in comfort, and do not let your mind fall into despair.” Though thus instructed, the king, utterly deluded, could not understand. Bound by the affection for a wanton woman, he fell into the greatest sorrow.