The sage, filled with deep affection, embraced his son tenderly and inhaled the sweet scent of his head, a gesture of love and blessing. Nearby, Shakuni, strong of arm, swiftly set aside his bow and arrows, relinquishing his weapons in that moment of peace. Meanwhile, the noble monkey struggled to conceal something, but could not hold it hidden with certainty. Then, in a wondrous scene, a great bird descended from above, carrying with it the supreme sage. With remarkable speed, someone severed a branch into three pieces using crescent-shaped arrows, their skill precise and sure. By means of a path formed by these very arrows, he descended safely from the tree, his actions both daring and graceful. Joined by Jābāli, the steadfast bearer of burdens, they made their way together toward the river that was born of the Sun. Their journey was purposeful, their hearts intent upon a sacred goal. Soon, a gathering took place to behold Hara, Śrīkaṇṭha, the foremost among yogis. After Ṛtadhvaja had departed, there arose a period of pure and unblemished fellowship among those assembled. In accordance with sacred rites, they bathed and worshipped him day and night, honoring him with devotion and reverence. Amid these seekers was one named Gālava, who longed to behold Śrīkaṇṭha, the unmanifest. After purifying himself in the clear waters of the Kālindī, Gālava entered the holy presence, his mind and body cleansed. At that moment, the daughters of Yakṣas and Asuras began to sing in sweet, melodious tones, their voices carrying beauty and grace. These maidens, it was certain, were Gandharvas, celestial beings of music and art. Having completed his recitation, Gālava sat in deep meditation, honored by the presence of two maidens who attended him. With heartfelt devotion, he adorned and uplifted the family of Bhava, Lord Śiva. Gālava, foremost among ascetics, having understood the circumstances, had come into being for this very purpose. Rising early in the morning, he offered worship to Gaurī’s Lord with due ceremony. Then, with gentle words, he invited the maidens to grant him their permission, for he wished to journey to the sacred Puṣkara forest. The maidens, curious, asked for what purpose the revered one desired to go to Puṣkara with such respect. Gālava explained that the month of Kārtik was especially meritorious, and that bathing at the sacred lakes at its close bestowed great blessings. Yet the maidens protested, saying, “O Brahmin, without you, we cannot remain here.” Nonetheless, Gālava departed with the sage, entering the Puṣkara forest with reverence. In time, the kings and people of the land, leaving behind only the righteous-bannered one, also made their way to the sacred ford of Puṣkara. Noble kings, including those associated with Nābhāga and Ikṣvāku, gathered there to bathe at the holy site, which was shaped like a bow and lay at the center of Puṣkara. Gālava found himself delighted again and again by the many daughters of the fish who dwelled there. Yet, despite these pleasures, he could not endure the harsh and terrible slander spoken by the people. The ascetic, wandering as he pleased with the maidens, was questioned: “Why, when you are in the midst of the water, do you fear the reproach of others?” But blinded by passion, the foolish one did not even recognize the nature of his fear. Though submerged in the water, he did not rise, remaining there, having mastered his senses and desires. At that time, other sages and kings from distant lands also gathered at the sacred place. Among them was Citrāṅgadā, of beautiful limbs, who gazed upon a slender-waisted maiden with admiration. When the sacred ford was deserted, Gālava, too, was beneath the water. The virtuous daughter of Parjanya, herself born from Ghṛtācī, observed three maidens standing on both banks of the river. She called out, “Who are you, and for what purpose do you remain here in this deserted place?” She addressed them by name: “O Suśreṇi, Citrāṅgadā, renowned as the daughter of Viśvakarman, and in Naimiṣa, the golden-eyed one, famed as the mother of Dharma.” Thus did she recognize and honor them, as the sacred story continued to unfold.