Accompanied by Śakra, the king of the gods, the visitor journeyed toward the magnificent city of Bāṣkala. Even from a distance, the city was a sight to behold: it was encircled and adorned with pale birds that could be ridden, its avenues embellished with every kind of jewel, and its principal mansions rising splendidly along well-divided great avenues. The city shone with herds of elephants, always in rut, their dark forms reminiscent of the mountain Anjana. Born from the lineages of divine elephants, they numbered in the hundreds. Sleek horses with lean limbs and small ears—swift as thought itself—with long necks and proud foreheads, added to the charm of the place. Thousands of courtesans dwelled there, their golden complexions like the heart of a lotus, faces radiant as the full moon. They were skilled in playful conversation and witty jesting. In Bāṣkala, no merit, knowledge, art, or skill was lacking; every excellence found its home within the city’s walls. The city teemed with hundreds of lush gardens, alive with festivals and gatherings, and filled with all the foremost Dānavas—except for the one who would end their line. Everywhere, the air resounded with the music of vīṇā, flute, and drum. The Dānavas, ever joyful and adorned with countless jewels, were seen there, playing as freely as the immortals on Mount Meru. Among them, the elder Dānavas uttered the great sounds of Vedic recitation. The smoke of clarified butter from sacred fires drifted through the city, carrying away sins on the wind, while the air was made fragrant by the scattering of sweet incense. In this fragrant city, filled with Dānavas, the lord who had brought the three worlds under his sway dwelled happily. Residing in Bāṣkala, he ruled all that moved and all that was still in the three worlds. He was wise in righteousness, grateful, truthful, and self-controlled. Handsome and discerning in both policy and its opposite, he was devoted to Brahmins, a refuge for all, compassionate to the distressed. Endowed with great energy from Vedic mantras and possessing all powers, he was enthusiastic in the sixfold policy, always speaking first with a smile. Knowing the essence of the Vedas and their branches, performing sacrifices, devoted to austerity, he was never engaged in wicked conduct and practiced nonviolence everywhere. He honored others and was honored in turn, pure, pleasant-faced, both worshipped and a worshipper himself. He understood all purposes, was unassailable, fortunate, and pleasing to behold. The demon king was abundant in grain, wealth, and vehicles, always accomplishing the three aims of life, and was considered the foremost man in the three worlds. Dwelling always in his own city, he destroyed the pride of gods and demons alike, and thus protected all beings in the three worlds. Under his rule, none of the demons was lowly; none was poor, afflicted, short-lived, or unhappy. No one was foolish, ugly, unfortunate, or rejected. All recognized his pure qualities and steadfast mind. Seeing him radiant and ascetic like the sun, the great-souled Purandara, Indra himself, sought to please this chief of the demons. Astonished at his power to sustain the three worlds, Indra came before him and gazed upon the demon king. The fierce demons, ever ready for battle, spoke among themselves: “This is a wonder—Indra himself approaches your city.” Alone, together with the foremost Brahmin, Vamana, they asked their lord: “O lord, tell us now what we should do.” He addressed all the demons: “Remain crowded in the city; let the king of the gods enter, for today he is to be honored by me.” At that moment, Vamana and Vasava arrived and were lovingly gazed upon by the lord of the demons. Feeling fulfilled, the king—bearer of the demons’ burden—offered a respectful salutation and spoke: “Today, in all three worlds, none is more blessed than I, who, surrounded by prosperity, see Śakra come to my house. Whoever asks me for something, out of desire or need, having come to my house, to him I will surely give—even my life. What need have I for wife, children, or home in the three worlds? Having come face to face with him, I respectfully seated him on my lap.” Embracing and welcoming Indra, he led him into his own house. He made his welcome with water and other offerings, and worshipped him diligently. “Today my birth is fruitful, all my desires are fulfilled; for I see you, Śakra, come to my house in person. I am made renowned among the chief demons by you, king of the gods; by your coming to my house, my merit is indeed supreme. The fruit obtained from sacrifices like Agniṣṭoma, properly performed, is attained by seeing you, Purandara. Whatever fruit arises from giving land, or from giving cows to a priest, or even from performing the Rājasūya sacrifice—may that fruit be mine today. Your audience, O Vāsava, cannot be attained by small austerity; now that you are in my house, tell me what dear act I should do for you. Let there be no other thought in your heart; whatever you desire, even if extremely difficult, consider it already done. I am blessed, I have attained merit by seeing you, O destroyer of enemies; your feet, worshipped by the best of gods, have been honored by me. Tell me, Lord, the purpose of your coming—tell me everything; I consider the reason for your arrival to be most extraordinary.” Indra replied, “I know you to be the chief among the Dānavas, O Bāṣkala; seeing you, O best of Asuras, this is not so astonishing.