Blinded by the force of passion, a certain foolish one became so overwhelmed that he did not even recognize fear itself. Though submerged, he did not rise up; instead, he remained, having mastered his senses, unmoved by the turmoil around him. At that time, sages and kings from distant lands gathered in that sacred place. Among them was Citrāṅgadā, whose limbs were as graceful as her reputation, her gaze falling upon another slender-waisted maiden. When the sacred ford lay deserted, Gālava too was beneath the water, unseen by any. There, the virtuous daughter of Parjanya, herself born of Ghṛtācī, beheld three maidens standing quietly on both banks of the river. Approaching them, she asked, “Who are you, and for what purpose have you remained here in this deserted place?” One among them spoke: “O Suśreṇi, I am Citrāṅgadā, renowned as the daughter of Viśvakarman. In Naimiṣa, the golden-eyed one, famed as the mother of Dharma, Suratha—overcome by desire—sought refuge in me alone. Thereafter, I was cursed by my father and separated from the king.” “After that sorrow, I went to see Śrīkaṇṭha and then journeyed to the sacred waters of the Godāvarī. But Suratha, the delight of my heart—my husband—was nowhere to be found. O beautiful one, I have truly told you all that has happened to me.” “When the fruit of my pilgrimage was fulfilled, I arrived at Puṣkara. While enjoying myself in the forest, I was seen, O friend, by a wandering mendicant. By his doing, I was brought from his hermitage to the earth’s surface, to the great Mount Meru. There, taking refuge on Meru, I became known as Vedavatī.” “Suddenly, I ascended the supreme mountain Bandujīva. But together with that very tree, I fell down, distressed. All beings, both stationary and moving, beheld my fall. The Siddhas and Gandharvas lamented, saying, ‘Alas, how grievous this is for the great-souled one—for the daughter of Manu, the heroic one, performer of a thousand sacrifices!’ But I do not know by whom that tree was cut into a thousand pieces.” “O beautiful one, today I have been brought here and have seen you. O maiden, look upon the northern bank of the Puṇkara.” Eager to know more, the maiden went to see and to inquire about the matter. By those two, in accordance with the truth, their own selves were revealed. Upon reaching the holy place, they sat down together and worshipped Hāṭakeśvara. For their sake, Śakuni, Jābāli, and Ṛtadhvaja acted, performing their duties. At the proper time, overcome with dejection, he journeyed with his father to Śākala. There, having understood the situation, he remained in meditation and then went out with the vessel for offerings. That wise son of Ikṣvāku, Śakuni, honored by his brothers, spoke: “O king, it is well known that our beloved has been lost. Therefore, arise, seek her—you ought to give assistance. Though I have made every effort, she is lost; to whom shall I speak of her?” Hearing the words of the Siddhas, he was cut into a thousand pieces by arrows. Nor do I know where she is; therefore, I go to search for her.