Having arrived at the sacred site, the group settled down and offered worship to Hāṭakeśvara, seeking blessings and guidance. For their sake, the wise Śakuni, Jābāli, and Ṛtadhvaja took up action, dedicating themselves to the task at hand. At the appointed hour, weighed down by sorrow, one among them journeyed with his father to the city of Śākala. Perceiving the situation, he entered into deep meditation, then emerged carrying the vessel for offerings, ready to fulfill his duties. Śakuni, the wise son of Ikṣvāku, was honored by his brothers for his steadfastness. He spoke, “O king, it is well known that our beloved has been lost.” He urged, “Therefore, arise and seek her—you must offer your assistance.” Yet, despite all his efforts, he lamented, “She is lost; to whom shall I speak of her?” Upon hearing the words of the Siddhas, he suffered greatly, as if pierced by a thousand arrows. Still, uncertain of her whereabouts, he resolved, “Nor do I know where she is; therefore, I go to search for her.” He entrusted the chariots to the two Brahmins and his brother’s son, preparing for the journey. They reached the hermitage at Badarī, where they witnessed the treasure of ascetics—holy men devoted to spiritual practice. Among them was one who, supreme in exertion and sighs, stood in the prime of youth. The travelers marveled, saying, “O ascetic, in your youth you have undertaken a terrible and most difficult austerity.” The ascetic asked, “Who are you? Tell me, reveal yourself to me as a friend.” The king replied respectfully, “I am a king, O venerable sage, residing in the city of Śākala.” He then recounted all his former deeds to the ascetic, sharing his story in full. He invited, “Come, I am going to search for the slender-waisted one; you are my brother.” Swiftly mounting the chariot, he informed the two ascetics of his intentions. One responded, “Come here, O King, I will do what pleases you.” He explained, “The holy place of Saptagodavara was abandoned by me. There, our three daughters, as well as others, will meet us.” With the bird placed in front, Indradyumna set out with his sons toward Saptagodavara, where the maidens had gone. At dawn, a woman wandered about the mountain, searching for her own daughter. She called, “Child, did you not see her? O monkey, speak the truth to me.” 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, it was said, “Devavati is not known there; let us go, I will show you.” Following behind her, they proceeded along the river Kaushiki, accompanied by two ascetics in chariots of utmost speed. Meanwhile, Ghritachi, having bathed in the river, arrived carrying fine merchandise. Upon seeing his father and the mighty king, memories stirred. He recalled, “Previously, I was bound by force among the roots of the tree.” In response, he took up his bow and arrows and declared, “Today, with a single arrow, I shall slay this monkey.” The great sage then addressed the bird with weighty, fitting words: “O prince, death and bondage are governed by former deeds.” He urged, “Come, come, O monkey, you ought to help us.” And another called, “O Brahman, give me your command; instruct me—what should I do?” Thus, amidst searching, questioning, and appeals for guidance, the group pressed forward, determined to find their lost beloved and fulfill their sacred duties.