When the gods at last attained the three worlds, they found themselves free from all troubles. At that moment, one among them assumed the form of Kālindī and vanished on the spot. Meanwhile, in a sacred hermitage, the son of the king of the Daityas—endowed with virtue—approached a great sage. After observing a single night of fasting, he journeyed to the mountain where the divine emblem had been divided. Again, after a night of fasting, he set out for the holy place known as Kedara. There, he remained for seven days before traveling onward to Kubjamra. After bathing at that excellent holy site, fasting and keeping his senses under control, he worshipped Hrishikesha and then made his way to the hermitage of Badarika. At the holy place of Varaha, he came upon the revered seat of Garuda, and, filled with devotion, he worshipped there. He also saw and honored Shiva before proceeding to the banks of the river Vipasha. Continuing his fast, he beheld the supreme Lord upon the banks of the Iravati. By these acts of devotion, he attained the highest form and a rare, lordly power. He was granted incomparable health and the blessing of unending progeny. Casting off all deformities, he gained beauty and prosperity. O ascetic, just as it had happened in the beginning of the Treta age, there once existed a city called Shakala, renowned for its excellence. In that city lived a wealthy, virtuous, and pleasure-loving man, well-versed in many scriptures. He traveled with a great caravan, possessing a variety of market goods. One night, however, a ferocious robber attacked him. Alone in the vast desert, the merchant wandered—his mind controlled, yet as if overtaken by madness. In that desolate place, he came upon a Shami tree, auspicious as if it were a reflection of his own self. As he lingered there, he saw a departed spirit approaching, surrounded by hundreds of other spirits. In front of him rushed spirits with fearsome forms, devouring lumps of food. Reaching the base of the Shami tree, the spirit saw the merchant’s son seated comfortably in the shade. The spirit greeted the merchant’s son, inquired after his well-being, and received a reply in turn. “Tell me,” the spirit said, “from where have you come, and where do you intend to go, good man? You have arrived safely; please share your story.” The Brahmin recounted everything—his loss of homeland and wealth. Then the lord of the spirits spoke to the merchant’s son as if to his own kin: “You will regain your wealth, should fortune favor you. For one whose body is weakened, there is no escape from anxiety. Today, this guest must be honored—he is always as my own kinsman. With his arrival, a joy beyond compare has arisen among us spirits.” As he wished, the merchant’s son brought forth a vessel full of curd-rice, and a water jar was also set before the spirits. The lord of the spirits said, “Rise, merchant’s son, and perform your daily rites.” Both—the merchant and the lord of the spirits—performed their daily rituals. Then, the lord of the spirits distributed food to all the gathered spirits, ensuring each received their share. Afterwards, he himself partook of the excellent meal. O Brahmin, before the very eyes of all present, the merchant’s son suddenly vanished from sight. Filled with curiosity at these events, Vaśī approached the guardian of the dead and began to question him further.