The difference between you and Hara is as vast as that between an elephant and a mosquito, or gold and stone. Listen now to the words once spoken by the great-souled devarṣi Asita. He said: “A man who delights in his own wife and avoids the wives of others has nothing to fear in this world. But one who covets another’s wife, even if he is born of noble lineage, finds neither happiness here nor in the world to come. Consider Manu, the son of the Sun, devoted to dharma, and Agastya, who was content in mind with his own wife. All such men became brilliant, patient in the face of both curses and boons, and worthy of worship by gods and siddhas alike. In contrast, Namuci, the wicked one who harmed others, and King Nahusha, who lusted after another’s strength, as well as Yadu and Utkamaujā, who consorted with women outside their caste, were all destroyed in ancient times by their unrighteousness. Men devoid of dharma fall into the great hell called Raurava. Such adharma leads only to downfall in this world and the next. This, O Andhaka, is the firm dharma for all castes. He who transgresses goes to the terrible hell Raurava for many ages. The law of dharma was declared to Garuḍa and Aruṇa: another’s wife brings ruin to the deceitful and cunning. You alone are devoted to dharma; as for myself, I do not practice it. Go, Śambara, to the lord of mountains, Mandara, and speak to Śaṅkara. Ask him: ‘By whom was this given to you, which you now enjoy? Why do you reside here, disregarding me, O Mandara? This woman who is your wife—let her be given to me at once.’ Thus instructed, Śambara went to the place where Pinākadhṛk—Hara—was staying with his consort. Hara replied to him, with the daughter of the mountain listening, ‘I am not able to give her up without the command of the enemy of trees. Let her go as she wishes; I am not able to restrain her. Go and tell Andhaka, O hero, my wise words: whoever wins at the game of dice, having spread it out, shall obtain her.’ After assembling, Śambara spoke the words uttered by Śarva and Gaurī. Then, having summoned Duryodhana, he spoke these words to him: ‘Strike her confidently, as one would a woman of bad conduct.’ He struck her forcefully, with all his might and vigor. She cried out loudly and fiercely, like a cow in distress. Hearing this, those nearby quickly entered the assembly, exclaiming, ‘What is this?’ Among them were the foremost of the strong, armed and eager for battle. Andhaka himself mounted his chariot and bowed slightly five times. With him came Jambha, Kujambha, Huṇḍa, Tuhuṇḍa, Śambara, and Bali; Ayaḥśuṅku, Śibi, Śālva, Vṛṣaparvā, and Virocana; Śarabha, Śalabha, and the mighty Vipracitti. Eager for battle, they advanced, bearing diverse weapons. But bound by the noose of Time and with his mind clouded, Andhaka approached the great mountain Mandara. There, I addressed those who stood by your command, O Śailāda.