Together with that very tree, I fell down, overwhelmed by distress. All beings, whether they were stationary or moving, beheld my plight. The Siddhas and Gandharvas, witnessing this, lamented, “Alas, how grievous is this for the great-souled one—for the daughter of Manu, the heroic performer of a thousand sacrifices!” Yet, I did not know who had cut that tree into a thousand pieces. “O beautiful one,” I said, “today I have been brought here and have seen you. O maiden, look upon the northern bank of the Puṇkara.” Eager to discover the truth and inquire further, the maiden went. There, the two of us revealed our true selves to one another, just as things truly were. Having reached the sacred place, we sat down and worshipped Hāṭakeśvara. For our sake, Śakuni, Jābāli, and Ṛtadhvaja undertook their actions. At the proper time, weighed down by sorrow, he went with his father to Śākala. Understanding the situation, he entered into meditation, and then emerged, carrying 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 and seek her—you must give your 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 pierced by arrows and cut into a thousand pieces. Not knowing where she was, he resolved, “Therefore, I go to search for her.” He entrusted the chariots to the two Brahmins and to his brother’s son. Reaching the hermitage at Badarī, they beheld the treasure of ascetics. There, one stood supreme in exertion and sighs, in the prime of youth. “O ascetic,” they said, “in your youth you have undertaken a terrible and most difficult austerity.” He responded, “Who are you? Tell me, reveal yourself to me as a friend.” The other replied, “I am a king, O venerable sage, residing in the city of Śākala.” The king then recounted all his previous deeds. “Come, I am going to search for the slender-waisted one; you are my brother,” he said. Swiftly mounting the chariot, he informed the two ascetics. One said, “Come here, O King, I will do what pleases you. The holy place of Saptagodavara was abandoned by me. There, our three daughters, as well as others, will meet us.” Placing the bird in front, Indradyumna set out with his sons to the holy place of Saptagodavara, where those maidens had gone. At dawn, she wandered about the mountain, searching for her own daughter. “Child, did you not see her? O monkey, speak the truth to me,” she asked. The monkey replied, “I saw Devavati by name; I left her at the great hermitage. In front of the shrine of Shrakantha—I have truly told you.” Yet, another added, “Devavati is not known there; let us go, I will show you.” Following behind her, they proceeded along the river Kaushiki.