In the quiet of night, Sudarshana, the noble prince, found himself immersed in a dream of profound significance. He beheld the Goddess Vishnumaya—undivided, the Mother of the Universe, Ambika, the unmanifest source of all prosperity. Her presence filled his heart with awe and assurance. Soon after, the chief of the Nishadas from the city of Sringavera approached Sudarshana. Recognizing him as the rightful prince, the chief honored him with a splendid chariot, fully equipped and adorned with excellent banners, yoked to four fine horses. It was a gift of respect and friendship. Sudarshana accepted the chariot gladly, honoring the Nishada chief, Shambara, with wild roots and fruits, acknowledging him as a true friend. When the Nishada chief departed, having been received as a guest, the ascetics of the forest, who held Sudarshana in affection, spoke among themselves. They reassured him, saying, “Prince, you will soon obtain the kingdom. Be free from anxiety and confident in your prowess—there is no doubt.” They declared that Ambika, the Goddess, was pleased with him and would grant boons, enchanting the world; his ally was well-endowed, so he need not worry. The ascetics, steadfast in their vows, also spoke to Manorama, Sudarshana’s mother: “Today your son, O bright-smiling one, will become lord of the earth.” Manorama, slender-limbed and humble, replied, “May your words bear good fruit. I am your servant, O Brahmins—what wonder comes from true devotion? But there is no army, no ministers, no treasury, nor any ally—by what means can my son be worthy to obtain the kingdom here?” Yet she affirmed her faith: “Surely, by your blessings, my son will become king—there is no doubt. You are all most learned in mantras.” Vyasa then narrated: Mounted on the chariot, Sudarshana shone with splendor wherever he went, as if surrounded by an entire army. For, O King, there is no power like that of the mantra-seed; as Sudarshana chanted with complete devotion, so it became. He had obtained the wondrous Kamaraja seed from his true teacher; whoever is pure and peaceful and recites it attains all desires. Nothing on earth or in heaven is unattainable for one who has the favor of Shiva and the Goddess. Those who lack faith in the worship of the Mother are unfortunate and afflicted, for she, at the beginning of the ages, is proclaimed as the Mother of all the gods, renowned as the Primal Mother. Intelligence, fame, fortitude, prosperity, power, faith, discernment, and memory—all these manifest in living beings through her. Yet those deluded by her Māyā do not know her, and, attached to false reasoning, do not worship the Divine Lady, the Ruler of the Universe, the Auspicious One. Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śambhu, the Vasus, Varuṇa, Yama, Vāyu, Agni, Kubera, Tvaṣṭṛ, Pūṣan, the Aśvins, Bhaga, the Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Viśvadevas, and hosts of Maruts—all meditate upon that Goddess who creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe. Who, being wise, would not serve that Supreme Power? Sudarshana knew her—the Auspicious One who grants all desires. She is verily Brahman, exceedingly difficult to attain, embodying both knowledge and ignorance, accessible through yoga, the supreme power, beloved of those who seek liberation. Without her, none can know the true nature of the Supreme Self; she reveals the threefold world to all beings. Sudarshana, contemplating the Goddess in his mind, attained happiness greater than kingship, dwelling in the forest. Meanwhile, Śaśikalā, his beloved, was overwhelmed by the crescent moon’s beauty and pierced by the arrows of desire, enduring day and night the sorrow of separation, bearing a sorrowful form. Her father, perceiving his daughter’s longing for an excellent husband, diligently arranged a svayaṃvara for her. The learned declare three kinds of svayaṃvara, but only two are suitable for kings: the svayaṃvara of choice and the wager, as when Rāma broke the bow of Tryambaka. The third, the valor-price, is spoken of among heroes. For his daughter, the best of kings arranged a svayaṃvara of choice. Platforms were constructed by artisans, adorned with fine coverings, and splendid assembly halls of various forms were prepared. When the arrangements for the wedding were complete, the beautiful-eyed Śaśikalā, sorrowful, spoke privately to her friend: “Tell this to my mother on my behalf: The husband I have chosen in my heart is the noble son of Dhruvasandhi. I will not choose any other husband except Sudarshana; he, the son of a king, established by the Goddess, is my husband.” Thus addressed, her companion quickly conveyed Śaśikalā’s words to her mother in private: “Your daughter is distressed, O noble lady; she has asked me to speak to you on her behalf. In the holy hermitage of Bhāradvāja is the son of Dhruvasandhi; he is the husband chosen in her heart—she does not choose any other king.” Hearing these words, the queen faithfully reported them to her husband upon his return. The king, astonished and smiling repeatedly, spoke to his wife Vaidarbhī, saying, “Subāhu’s words are true. O beautiful-browed one, you know that boy was exiled from the kingdom to the forest; he dwells alone with his mother in the lonely woods.