For countless thousands of ages, one who performs these acts attains a resemblance to Hari, the Supreme Lord. Not only does such a person gain this exalted state, but even others associated with him are released from millions of great sins. In but half a moment, all the sins of the doer fall away. Thus, the wise king, purified and freed from all taint, ascends to heaven along the divine path of the gods. Having heard the account of bearing the sacred banner, which you have described as the best of all actions, I am eager to know more. You have spoken of his deeds—now, please instruct me in detail. This story, as the destroyer of all sins, was once told to me by Brahmā himself. The king in question was born in the illustrious lunar dynasty, glorious and the sole lord of the Satpadvīpa. He was adorned with all auspicious marks and possessed every kind of wealth. Without pride, he devoted himself to serving those who were dedicated to Hari. His heart was always set on the welfare of all beings; he was peaceful, grateful, and renowned. His queen, devoted to her husband and regarding him as her very life, was upright and steadfast in truth. Both were ever mindful of their noble lineage, greatly fortunate, truthful in speech, and devoted to righteousness. They constructed countless ponds, gardens, and groves, bringing prosperity and beauty to their land. The queen, in her joy, would dance, charming and exceedingly content, singing sweet melodies. She would also raise a beautiful, expansive banner, an act so noble that even the gods praised her supreme mind and intellect. One day, the great sage Vibhāṇḍaka, accompanied by many disciples, came, eager to witness these deeds. The king, together with his wife and subjects, went forth in great numbers to greet the sage. Seated humbly on a low seat, with palms joined in reverence, the king addressed the sage with respect. He praised the gathering of the virtuous, declaring that such assemblies delight even the gods themselves. Where the good perform great acts of compassion, energy, fame, wealth, and sons arise. Indeed, one who participates in such deeds is as if bathed in all the sacred waters, his soul purified beyond doubt. With humility, the king asked, “Command me, O foremost of Brahmins—what may I do to please you?” The sage, touched by the king’s hand and exceedingly delighted, replied with affection, “One who is humble and respectful gains many blessings in this world. Through humility, a mortal attains even that which is difficult for great souls to obtain. May well-being always be yours; speak now what I am about to ask.” The sage continued, “Among all, you should always be ready for the raising of the banner. But tell me truly, for what reason is this event held?” He marveled, “The deeds of both of us here are indeed a wonder to the worlds.” The king then spoke with honesty about his past, “I was always devoted to wicked conduct, delighting in the harm of all beings—a killer of cows, a slayer of Brahmins, a thief, intent on the destruction of all living creatures. How long did I remain in such a state, O great seer, without being struck down? I constantly ate the flesh of animals and robbed travelers as well. Once, exhausted by hunger, scorched by the summer sun, and tormented by thirst, I came upon a great lake, filled with swans and waterfowl. There I drank the cool water, and on the bank my fatigue departed from me. In that ruined abode of Vishnu nearby, I made a shelter for myself.” Thus, the story unfolds: from the depths of sin and suffering, through the grace of sacred actions and the company of the virtuous, one is purified, exalted, and ultimately finds the path to liberation.