The best of serpents approached Mahādeva with a heartfelt request: “O god, grant us this boon as we desire. Let Madālasā, wife of the departed Kuvalayāśva, become my daughter—let her be of the same age as before, with memory of her past life, endowed with the same beauty. Let her be born in my house as a yoginī and mother of yogins.” Mahādeva, gracious and compassionate, replied, “As you have spoken, O foremost of serpents, so shall it be, by my grace and without doubt. Now listen carefully, O serpent: when the śrāddha ceremony is performed, you must eat the middle rice-ball yourself, with purity and a focused mind. When you have eaten it, from the middle of your hood, she of auspicious form—just as before—shall arise. While thinking of her, perform the ancestral offering; at that very moment, she of beautiful brows will emerge from the center of your hood, breathing forth. A virtuous woman will arise, just as beautiful as Amrita.” Hearing these words, the two serpents bowed reverently to the great Lord and returned, their hearts filled with satisfaction, to the netherworld. There, Kambala’s younger brother set about performing the śrāddha ritual as instructed. He carefully consumed the middle portion of the rice-ball, meditating upon Madālasā with longing. Instantly, as he exhaled, that slender-waisted woman was born from the center of his hood, taking her previous form. The serpent kept this wondrous event a secret from all. He placed the lovely-toothed Madālasā within the inner chambers, guarded by other women. Meanwhile, the two sons of the serpent lord came daily, joyfully spending time there. Together with Ṛtadhvaja, they played like immortals in their happiness. One day, the serpent king, his heart brimming with joy, addressed his sons: “Why is it that what I previously instructed has not been done? That prince, your benefactor, should be brought to me. Why has the prince, the bestower of honor, not been brought here for your benefit, my children?” Thus lovingly admonished by their father, the two brothers set out for the prince’s city. There, they delighted in the company of the wise Kuvalayāśva, enjoying his friendship. After some time, they gently spoke to him about returning to their own home. The prince, however, replied warmly, “Is not this your home? All my wealth, vehicles, garments, and whatever else you desire—be it wealth or jewels—let it be yours, O brahmin youths, if you have affection for me. In this alone have I been deceived by fate—that you do not treat my house as your own. If you consider me dear, or if you wish to show me favor, then let my wealth and my house be regarded as yours; what is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. Know this as truth—you both are as dear to me as my own life. Never again, O best of brahmins, should you speak of separation in this way. With my heart full of affection, you are bound to me by my favor.” Moved by his words, the two sons of the serpent lord, their faces wet with affection, replied with gentle reproach, “Ṛtadhvaja, there is no doubt—just as you have said, so it is in our hearts; there is no thought otherwise. But our own father, the great-souled one, has repeatedly asked us, ‘I wish to see Kuvalayāśva.’” Hearing this, Kuvalayāśva rose from his excellent seat and bowed to the ground, saying, “As you command, father. I am blessed, most fortunate—who else is equal to me, when my father so eagerly desires to see me? Let us go at once; I do not wish to delay, even for a moment, in fulfilling my father’s command. I swear by my feet to this.” Thus resolved, the prince departed with the two serpent brothers. Leaving the city, they reached the sacred river Gomati. The sons of the serpent king led him through the middle of the river, and the prince thought their home must lie on the far shore. But then, drawing him down into the netherworld, the two brought the prince to their realm, where he beheld both serpent princes. He saw their hoods shining with jewel-crests, each marked with the sign of the svastika. Struck by their handsome forms, his eyes widened in astonishment. Smiling affectionately, he praised them, “Well done, O best of Brahmins!” The two then began to tell him about their father, the lord of serpents. There, the prince saw the honored Ashvatara, esteemed among the gods, and beheld the beautiful netherworld. It was adorned with young and old serpent youths, and naga maidens playing here and there, all wearing lovely earrings and garlands, shining like stars in the sky. Elsewhere, there were songs accompanied by the melodious sounds of vinas and flutes. The houses of the serpents resounded with the music of drums and lutes. As the son of Shatrujit gazed upon the netherworld’s marvels, he proceeded onward with his two beloved serpent friends. Together, they entered the palace of the serpent king. There they beheld the great-souled lord of serpents, adorned with divine garlands and garments, and jeweled earrings. He was resplendent, wearing necklaces of pure pearl creepers and glorious armlets, seated upon a golden throne. His form was further adorned with nets of jewels, coral, and cat’s-eye gems. The two serpent brothers presented him, saying, “This is our father.