He beheld her, flawless in form, and once more placed the garland upon her. Feeling fulfilled by her presence, he spent long days with her, delighting in their union. Yet, a voice questioned him: what had he truly accomplished before, when he journeyed to the city in vain? It was only the sight of the sage Kanva and the taking of the garland that marked his actions. But a shadow fell over his happiness: Kanva, it was said, would utter a curse upon him, and his beloved would be taken from him as well. Despite this looming fate, he did not leave her side, his mind unwavering and fixed upon her. He continually revealed Suromasha, whose eyes glowed tawny and whose hair was fine and delicate. Yet, remorse stirred within him. Thinking, “Fie upon me,” he resolved to undertake severe austerities. Once again, for twelve years, the king lived sustained by air alone, dwelling with an apsaras and practicing supreme austerity and yoga. Desiring to perform a vow that involved complete fasting, he spoke of his intention to her, which caused her great distress. There, in that sacred place, the god Maheshvara—Shiva himself—abides, intent on liberating the world. It was said that upon seeing the Lord of the Universe in the form of a linga, one would be freed from all sins. Thus, having beheld Hara in Varanasi, the king was released from his transgressions. When he sought to perform a sacrifice, Kanva, moved by compassion, was entreated to officiate. As soon as the king’s son was born, he was cared for by those present. All the maidens, beloved of the Gandharvas and the twice-born, came to take the child. Now, listen also to the lineage of Kroṣṭu, which removes the sins of men. Kroṣṭu’s son was the great Svāti, from whom Uśadgu was born. Next in the world was Caitrarathi, known as Śaśabindu. His son was Pṛthukarmā, and from him came Pṛthujaya. Pṛthuśravās, the best among the Pṛthus, was his son. This Pṛthuśravās possessed a golden armor but was turned away by the noble ones. From him was born Vidarbha; from Vidarbha came Kratha and Kaishika. Dhriti became his son, and Samsta was the son of Dhriti. His wise son was Sumantu, and from Sumantu came Anala. Among them, Jyotishman was the foremost; his son was Vapushman. Vapushman’s son was Vitaratha, a great devotee of Rudra and mighty in strength. From Vrishni was born Nivritti, and from Nivritti came Dasharha. Jaimuti became a heroic man, and Vikriti a destroyer of enemy heroes. Always devoted to charity and righteousness, he remained steadfast in virtuous conduct. At one time, eminent sages fled in haste, overcome by fear. Among them was Duryodhana, blazing like fire, his mighty hand wielding a spear. He beheld the supreme place, well concealed by the sacred Sarasvati. There, seeing the goddess Sarasvati herself, he bowed his head in deep reverence. Prostrating himself upon the ground, he declared, “I have come to you for refuge.” He addressed the goddess of speech, without beginning or end, sovereign and celibate, the consort of Hiranyagarbha, three-eyed and adorned with the moon. “Protect me, O supreme lady,” he pleaded, “for I am frightened and seek your refuge.” He had come to that very place, the dwelling of the goddess Sarasvati, with the intent to slay.