The women, having been overcome by desire and then rebuked by the wise Brāhmaṇa, began to revile the god of love who had led them astray. In their hearts, they praised that noble Brāhmaṇa, the protector of their virtue and that of all women, for shielding them from wrongdoing. They declared, “Blessed indeed is the mother of such a Brāhmaṇa, for she gave birth to the one who conquered the god of love and became the guardian of righteousness for others.” Reflecting on their own failings, they lamented, “Shame on us! We, mocked by the royal people and defeated by the god of love, have fallen into great sin through our words and thoughts.” Nārada continued, explaining that, after considering the Brāhmaṇa’s words, all those countless women, instructed and chastened, returned to their own homes. The king of Kāmpilya, deeply honoring the Brāhmaṇa for his virtue, presented him with fine garments and ornaments, and sent him to a noble and self-controlled household. In time, however, the mighty lord of Kārūṣa arrived, laying siege to the city of Kāmpilya with his formidable army. A terrible battle ensued between the two kings. In that fierce conflict, the king of Kāmpilya was slain, his city plundered, and all its heroes killed. Overcome by despair, the women of the city drank deadly poison and met their end, but none of them performed any act of atonement for their sins. Nārada then revealed the reason for their terrible fate: because of a particular sin, all those fearsome, great-bodied rākṣasīs were born in the city of a dreadful-named rākṣasa. There, in that city, Hanuman, the noble guardian, kept all those women confined, while the victorious lord, delighting in sacrifice, remained in his bannered chariot. Yet again, those same rākṣasīs appeared on the battlefield, tormented by hunger and thirst, and causing terror merely by their presence. Thus, through the sin they had committed in word and mind, they were reborn twice, mingling with the wombs of rākṣasīs. By that very sin, both the king and the two cities met their destruction. Therefore, Nārada warned, one must never consort with another’s beloved. He continued, “O Lord, even women who fear sin must not abandon their own husbands—no matter if he is diseased, dull-witted, poor, or blind—either in word or thought, if they desire the highest good.” Nārada explained all this, detailing both the sin committed through word and mind and the consequences of devotion to another’s beloved, to King Śibi. He spoke further: “The pure women who did not go to Indraprastha but are now seen in Dvārakā—when even a drop of water fell from their bodies, the city women cried out in distress. By their very thoughts and words directed toward another’s beloved, they earned a dreadful fate as flesh-eaters. Yet, after being released from that condition, they became divine women who brought joy to the gods.” Thus concludes the two hundred and sixth chapter of the glorious Padma Mahāpurāṇa, in the Uttarakhaṇḍa, describing the greatness of Kāliṃdī and the city of Dvārakā. Nārada then continued: “Having brought that pure Brāhmaṇa to Dvārakā, they arrived there. Once again, desiring devotion to the Lord, the wise ones performed their ritual baths. At that moment, O King, a voice as deep as thunder resounded from the sky.” The sky-voice proclaimed, “Hear, O best of Brāhmaṇas! This is the sacred tīrtha of Hari. By the grace of this holy place, you both shall attain devotion to Viṣṇu, by which the world is freed from ignorance and terrible delusion.” Hearing this bodiless voice, the Brāhmaṇas said to each other, “This is truly the grace of Hari.” They bathed there according to the proper rites and, having obtained supreme devotion to Hari, moved about the place, bowing and speaking to one another. The two Brāhmaṇas reflected, “Just as our meeting on the road happened by chance, so too on earth do the union of house, wife, and all things arise. Now, separation is destined for us, just as it is for travelers along a path. So it is with wives, sons, and others, all subject to the play of time. Blessed is the one who, understanding the fleeting nature of these relationships, always seeks refuge in and worships the Lord.” Nārada said, “I must remember—I am your servant, sheltered at your feet.” Saying, “A message must be sent by me,” they each returned to their own homes. Nārada then urged the king to listen to what happened next to Vimalā’s friend. As the Brāhmaṇa journeyed, the liberation of the rākṣasīs was accomplished. Traveling onward, he reached a waterless region. There, the demonesses, tormented by their sins and overwhelmed by hunger and thirst, saw from afar the best of twice-born men walking with a water vessel in hand. Eyeing him, the demonesses said among themselves, “A traveler approaches, carrying a water pot. Perhaps our hunger and thirst will be somewhat appeased; we will devour him and drink what is in his hand. We are parched and starving for a hundred years. The vessel, the water, and our thirst—let one of us first eat the hot flesh from his body, then, after drinking his blood, I will regain my life.” Another demoness wondered, “How much substance does this elephant-faced one possess? Even for my tiger-faced self, there does not appear to be enough to drink.” Another, named Rathacakra, declared, “I will make earrings and a girdle from his intestines.” Yet another said, “I will make dice for the gaming hall from his teeth, blackened together. He is skilled in the game with sixteen dice in the gambling hall.” Having spoken thus, they all rushed at the Brāhmaṇa, their mouths wide open, tongues lolling, and arms shining like great pillars. Seeing them approach, the Brāhmaṇa was seized with fear. Yet, O King, he protected himself on all sides with Vedic mantras as prescribed. The demonesses, though of terrible might, could only come near and stand at a distance, repelled by his brilliance and the power of his mantras. They called out to him, “Who are you? From where have you come? Tell us! By seeing you, our minds are at peace. What blessing would not come from touching your feet? Therefore, place your lotus-like foot upon our heads.” Nārada said, hearing their words, the son of Haridatta replied, “Having performed sacred baths at holy places, I, a Brāhmaṇa, have come here. Now I am going to Pushkara. What do you wish from me? Ask for whatever you desire; if I am able, I will give it.