With a heart brimming with affection, Kuvalayāśva addressed the two sons of the serpent lord, assuring them, “Know this as truth: you both are as dear to me as my very own life. Never again, O best of brahmins, should you speak of separation in this way.” He declared that, bound by his favor and love, they were inseparable from him. Tears of affection wet the faces of the serpent princes as they listened. Somewhat affectionately, yet with a hint of gentle reproach, the two sons of the serpent lord replied to the prince, Ṛtadhvaja, “There is no doubt, just as you have said. So it is in our minds; we think no differently.” Yet, they explained, these words had been spoken to them by their own father, the great-souled one. Time and again, their father had said, “I wish to see Kuvalayāśva.” Hearing this earnest wish, Kuvalayāśva rose from his excellent seat, bowed to the ground, and declared, “As you command, father.” Kuvalayāśva, filled with joy, said, “I am blessed, I am most fortunate—who else is equal to me, when my father so eagerly desires to see me?” Without wishing to delay even for a moment in fulfilling his father’s command, he swore by his very feet, “Let us rise and go.” Thus resolved, the prince departed with the two serpent princes. Leaving the city behind, they journeyed until they reached the sacred river Gomati. The sons of the king of serpents traveled through the heart of the river, and the prince thought their home lay on the far shore. But then, the two serpent princes drew him down into the netherworld. There, in the dazzling realm below, the prince beheld the two serpent princes in their true glory. Their hoods gleamed with jewel-crests, each clearly marked with the sign of the svastika. So handsome were their forms that the prince’s eyes widened in astonishment. Smiling with affection, he said, “Well done, O best of Brahmins!” The two began to tell him about their father, the lord of serpents. Soon, Kuvalayāśva beheld the honored Ashvatara, esteemed among the gods, and gazed in wonder upon the beautiful netherworld. It was alive with serpent youths, both young and old, and with naga maidens playing here and there. Adorned with lovely earrings and garlands, shining like stars in the sky, the serpents filled the air with songs accompanied by the sweet sounds of vinas and flutes. The houses of the serpents resounded with the music of drums and lutes, and as the son of Shatrujit gazed upon this wondrous realm, he proceeded onward with his companions. Together with the two beloved serpents, the subduer of enemies entered the magnificent palace of the serpent king. There, seated upon a golden throne, was the great-souled lord of serpents, adorned with divine garlands and garments, jeweled earrings, and necklaces of pure pearls. His arms were graced with armlets, and his form was splendid, draped in nets of jewels, coral, and cat’s-eye gems. The two princes presented Kuvalayāśva, saying, “This is our father.” Kuvalayāśva bowed at the feet of the serpent king. The serpent king raised him up, embraced him tightly and affectionately, and, smelling his head, blessed him, “May you live long.” He exhorted, “Having vanquished your enemies, serve your parents, dear child! Even when you are not present, the virtues of the blessed are spoken of. The uncommon qualities have been revealed by you and my sons; may you alone grow further in them, by your thoughts, words, and actions. The life of a virtuous person is truly praiseworthy; one without virtue is as if dead, even while living. The virtuous bring joy to their parents and anguish to the hearts of their enemies. By acting for his own good, and gaining the trust of the people, he pleases the gods, ancestors, brahmins, friends, those seeking help, and the afflicted. Relatives too desire the long life of the virtuous; those who refrain from slander, who are compassionate to the unfortunate—such a virtuous one’s birth is fruitful for those who seek refuge in times of distress.” Having thus spoken to the heroic Kuvalayāśva, the serpent king, wishing to honor him, performed the rites of welcome. After the sequence of bathing and other rituals, all in proper order, Kuvalayāśva enjoyed honey-drinking, delicious food, and many pleasures, as he wished. With hearts rejoicing in festive conversation, Kuvalayāśva and his hosts remained there for a while, delighting in spirit. With the silent approval of his father, the son of Śatrujita did all that the noble-minded king of the serpents requested. Gathered with his sons and the princes, the truthful lord of the great serpents, filled with joy and self-control, partook of food and honey as was appropriate, enjoying the pleasures of their company. Later, in another assembly, Alarka inquired, “What is the duty of those who follow the householder’s path? What bondage arises from neglecting action, and what elevation comes from performing it? What brings benefit to people, and what should be avoided by one living in a household? Tell me properly, as I ask, how these things are to be done.” Madālasā replied, “Child, by embracing the householder’s life, a man sustains this entire world; through it, he conquers the realms and attains his desired aims. Ancestors, sages, gods, beings, humans, as well as worms, insects, flying creatures, birds, animals, and demons—all live upon the householder, and thus they become satisfied. They look to his face, wondering, ‘Will he give to us or not?’ “This, my child, is the cow of threefold form, the very foundation of all; in her the universe is established, and she is regarded as the cause of all. Her back is the Ṛgveda, her middle the Yajurveda, her mouth and head the Sāmaveda; her horns are sacrifice and charity, her body the hymns of the good. Her dung and urine are peace and nourishment, her limbs are the castes and orders; as long as she is sustained, the worlds do not diminish, but endure.