In the unfolding of creation, thousands upon thousands of fruit-bearing trees sprang forth, gracing the earth with their bounty. By the divine grace of Hara, foods fit for the most exalted gods were produced, nourishing the celestial realms. Seeking flowers of unparalleled beauty, the imperishable one journeyed to Mount Śiśira, where he undertook intense austerities. There, praised by the gods and worshipped by the foremost among the celestials, he took up the mighty bow named Anaṅga. Amidst these divine happenings, a Gandharva, smiling gently, invited, “Sit here.” Yet Vasanta, the spirit of spring, was suddenly seized by deep anxiety. The blessed one comforted Vasanta, saying, “Come here, stay.” From his own thigh, he brought forth a maiden with golden limbs, creating her anew. Kāmadeva, the god of love, wondered in awe, “Who is she? Is this my beloved Rati?” The maiden possessed a fine nose, beautifully shaped lips, and her gaze was intent and captivating. Her full, radiant breasts nestled together like the meeting of noble friends, and her smooth abdomen gleamed, adorned with a delicate line of hair. She shone with the allure of a swarm of bees moving from a riverbank to a lotus pond, as if Mandara mountain were bound by a serpent during the churning of the ocean of fortune. Her form, exquisite and luminous, was like the filament of a lotus, and her feet glowed as though painted with red lac. Overcome with desire, Kāmadeva was enthralled—such beauty could stir the heart of any sage. He wondered if this place was the very capital city of the lord of desire, established here. The maiden, frightened by the heat of the sun’s rays, sought refuge. At this moment, Mādhava stood, composed in meditation, serene like a sage. Observing this, the virtuous one spoke, smiling: “Let her be led to the world of the gods; let her be given to Vāsava.” Thus, she was bestowed, endowed with beauty and youth, upon the thousand-eyed Indra. As she entered Indra’s presence, desire and other feelings arose within the king of the gods, filling him with wonder. The maiden journeyed through the netherworlds, among mortals, and in all eight directions, spreading her influence everywhere. At that time, a Dānava named Prahlāda was anointed king. On earth, kings performed sacrifices according to proper rites, Vaiśyas tended cattle, and Śūdras delighted in service. The gods resumed their activities, each engaged in their own duties. Then, Cyavana went to the Narmada river to bathe, and also to the sacred place called Akulīśvara. As he descended, a serpent named Kekaralohita seized him. In that moment, Cyavana remembered the lotus-eyed one, and the great serpent was freed from its poison. Released from the venom, the foremost of serpents let Cyavana go. Cyavana moved about, honored on all sides by the serpent maidens. While being worshipped, Prahlāda, the lord of the Daityas, saw him. Cyavana was honored, seated, and questioned about his arrival. Cyavana replied, “I have come today only to bathe and to see Akulīśvara. I was brought to Pātāla, and here I have also seen you.” Prahlāda, skilled in righteous speech, asked, “You ought to tell me what places there are in Rasātala.