Suratha, overwhelmed by longing, sought refuge in me alone. Yet soon after, my own father cursed me, separating me from the king. In my sorrow, I journeyed first to see Śrīkaṇṭha and then wandered to the sacred waters of the Godāvarī. But despite my searching, I could not find Suratha, the delight of my heart and my beloved husband. O beautiful one, I have truly told you all that befell me. When at last the fruits of my pilgrimage were fulfilled, I arrived at Puṣkara. There, as I wandered and found some small joy in the forest, a mendicant happened upon me. He brought me from his hermitage up to the earth’s surface, to the heights of Mount Meru. There, seeking shelter, I became known as Vedavatī. Suddenly, I ascended the supreme mountain Bandujīva, but, distressed, I fell down together with the very tree upon which I had taken refuge. All beings—whether standing still or moving—witnessed my fall. The Siddhas and Gandharvas lamented, saying, “Alas, how grievous this is for the great-souled one, the daughter of Manu, the heroic performer of a thousand sacrifices.” Yet I do not know who it was that cut that tree into a thousand pieces. O beautiful one, today I have been brought here and have seen you. Look now, maiden, upon the northern bank of the Puṇkara. Eager to understand, the maiden went to see and inquire about what had occurred. There, both of us, in truth, revealed our own identities to each other. Having reached that holy place, we sat down together in worship of Hāṭakeśvara. For our sake, Śakuni, Jābāli, and Ṛtadhvaja took action. At the proper time, one of them, overcome with dejection, went with his father to Śākala. Understanding the situation, he remained in meditation for a time and then went out with the vessel for offerings. This wise son of Ikṣvāku, Śakuni, honored by his brothers, said, “O king, it is well known that our beloved has been lost. Therefore, arise and seek her—you must help.” “I have made every effort,” he continued, “but she is lost; to whom shall I speak of her?” Hearing the words of the Siddhas, he was struck down and cut into a thousand pieces by arrows. Not knowing where she was, he resolved, “Therefore, I must go in search of her.” He entrusted the chariots to the two Brahmins and to his nephew. They journeyed to the hermitage at Badarī, where they beheld the treasure among ascetics. There, a young man, supreme in effort and sighs, was engaged in severe austerity. “O ascetic,” they said, “in your youth you have undertaken a most terrible and difficult penance.” The ascetic replied, “Who are you? Tell me—reveal yourself as a friend.” The visitor answered, “I am a king, venerable sage, residing in the city of Śākala.” The king then recounted all his past deeds. “Come, I go to search for the slender-waisted one; you are my brother.” Swiftly, he mounted the chariot and informed the two ascetics, saying, “Come here, O King, I will do what pleases you.