Affection blossomed deeply, and she said, “A tender longing has arisen in me; I must stay for another year. I will return here again—please grant me permission for that. But until then, you must not unite with any other apsaras.” With this promise, she departed. The king, having gone to see his devoted wife, found himself seized by fear. Perceiving his unease, his wife—full-bosomed and gentle—spoke softly, “Tell me truly what troubles you. I will not reveal it to the other kings.” Yet the king remained silent, unable to see her with the vision of wisdom. She warned him, “O great king, if you are afraid, your kingdom will fall into ruin.” Seeking counsel and solace, the king journeyed to the sacred hermitage of the great sage Kanva. After paying his respects, he set out toward the majestic slopes of the Himalayas. Radiant and resplendent, adorned with a divine garland, his mind was fixed solely on Urvashi, deeming her alone worthy of his love. Driven by longing, he engaged in a mighty struggle to seize the garland. Eagerly, he went to see the apsaras Kalindi, wandering across the vast earth with its seven continents. His path led him to Hemakuta, the foremost of mountains, where, adorned with a marvelous garland, they surrendered to fierce desire. So overcome by passion was he that he failed to notice the mountain peaks as he traveled. Empowered by divine strength, he ascended to the world of the gods, reaching the great mountain Meru. Surpassing even its highest summits through his own might, he at last beheld her—flawless in form—and presented the garland to her once more. Knowing himself fulfilled, he spent long, blissful days in her company. Yet questions arose: “What did you accomplish before, O king, in going to the city in vain? The vision of Kanva, the taking of the garland—these, too, are fraught with consequence. Kanva will utter a curse upon you, and your beloved will be taken from you as well.” Nevertheless, the king remained steadfast, never leaving her side, his mind unwavering. He revealed always the presence of Suromasha, she of tawny eyes and fine hair. But soon, regret overtook him, and he thought, “Fie upon me!” Resolving to atone, he undertook severe austerities. For twelve years, the king lived on nothing but air, practicing supreme austerity and yoga, even while dwelling with an apsaras. Desiring to perform a vow of complete fasting, he announced his intention to her, causing her great distress. In that sacred place abides Maheshvara, Lord Shiva, the liberator of the world. “Upon beholding the Lord of the Universe in the form of a linga,” he was told, “you will be freed from all sins.” Thus, having seen Hara in Varanasi, the king was released from his transgressions. At last, Kanva, moved by compassion, officiated a great sacrifice for him. When the king’s son was born, he was lovingly cared for by all the maidens, cherished by the Gandharvas and the twice-born. Now, listen also to the lineage of Kroṣṭu, which cleanses men of their sins. Kroṣṭu’s son was the mighty Svāti, and from Svāti was born Uśadgu. In time, Caitrarathi, famed as Śaśabindu, became known throughout the world.