Satrajit, proud owner of the radiant Syamantaka jewel, entrusted it to his son Prasena for play. The child, delighted with the gleaming gem, began to amuse himself with it. But when Prasena failed to return home, Satrajit was overcome with anxiety and suspicion, wondering who might have killed his son for the coveted jewel. Word soon spread throughout the city, and a rumor took hold among the people: they whispered that Krishna himself must have slain Prasena out of desire for the jewel. Krishna, hearing these accusations and feeling his reputation tainted, resolved to clear his name. Gathering the citizens, he set out to retrace Prasena’s steps. Their search led them deep into the forest, where Krishna discovered Prasena’s lifeless body, slain by a lion. Following a trail of blood, Krishna pursued the beast, seeking the jewel’s fate. At the entrance to a cave, he found the lion itself dead, and out of compassion, addressed the gathered townspeople: “Remain here until I return. I will enter this cave to recover the jewel from its thief.” The citizens agreed, waiting at the cave’s mouth as Krishna ventured inside. Within, he found the son of Jāmbavān, king of the bears, holding the jewel. Krishna sought to reclaim it, but the child’s nurse cried out in fear. Hearing the alarm, Jāmbavān himself rushed forth, and a fierce battle ensued between the mighty bear king and Krishna, lasting day and night without rest. For twenty-one days, the struggle continued, while the citizens waited anxiously at the cave’s entrance, hoping for Krishna’s return. But after twelve days, fear overcame them, and they departed for their homes, recounting the entire saga from the beginning. Grief swept over all, and they cursed Satrajit, blaming him for the calamity. Vasudeva, Krishna’s illustrious father, heard the story and was struck unconscious with sorrow, along with his family. He pondered deeply, seeking a way to restore what was lost. At this moment, the revered sage Nārada arrived from the world of Brahma. Vasudeva rose and honored him with reverence. After inquiring about Vasudeva’s welfare, Nārada asked, “What troubles you, O foremost of the Yadus? Tell me your thoughts.” Vasudeva replied, “My son Krishna, dearest to me, went with the townspeople into the forest to search for Prasena, whom he found slain. Krishna entered the cave alone, while the others waited outside. Many days have passed, and my son has not returned. O sage, tell me how I might recover him.” Nārada advised, “O Vasudeva, to regain your son, worship the goddess Ambikā. By her worship alone, you will immediately attain what is best.” Vasudeva asked, “O revered one, who is this goddess, what is her power? Please tell me how her worship is performed.” Nārada replied, “Listen, Vasudeva. Who can fully describe the incomparable greatness of the goddess? She is eternal, blessed, whose form is existence, consciousness, and bliss. She is higher than the highest, pervading the world. By worshipping her, Brahmā creates all that moves and does not move; he praised her and was freed from fear of Madhu and Kaitabha. By her grace, Vishnu sustains the universe, and Rudra, with her compassionate glance, brings about its dissolution. She is the cause of bondage and liberation, the giver of freedom, supreme knowledge, the highest goddess, ruler of all rulers. “Worship the World-Mother according to the rite of Navarātra, and for nine days listen to the ancient Bhāgavata of the goddess. Merely hearing it will grant you a son; for those who recite or listen, enjoyment and liberation are close at hand.” Thus instructed, Vasudeva bowed to Nārada with gratitude and spoke warmly, “O revered one, your words have reminded me of the events of my life. Listen as I recount the origin of the goddess’s greatness.” He continued, “Long ago, by divine decree, Kamsa learned that his death would come from Devaki’s eighth child. Out of fear, he wickedly imprisoned me and my wife. In the prison, Kamsa killed each son as soon as he was born. Six sons were slain, and Devaki, noble and sorrowful, suffered day and night. “Then, I summoned the sage Garga, bowed and honored him, and revealed Devaki’s sorrow, seeking a way to obtain a long-lived son. I said, ‘O revered one, ocean of compassion, you are the guru of the Yadavas; tell me how to obtain a son.’ “Garga, pleased, replied, ‘O Vasudeva, greatly fortunate, listen to the supreme means. Worship the blessed Goddess Durga, who removes the misfortune of devotees; by her worship, you will quickly attain prosperity. All desires are fulfilled by worshipping her; nothing is difficult for those who honor Durga.’ “Filled with joy, my wife and I bowed to the sage with utmost devotion and spoke, ‘O Lord, ocean of mercy, if you have affection for me, please worship Chandika for my sake.’” Thus, Vasudeva recalled the greatness of the goddess and the power of her worship, seeking her blessing to restore his beloved son.