Seeing the events unfold, the virtuous one smiled gently and spoke, suggesting that the maiden be led to the world of the gods and given to Vāsava, the lord of the heavens. Accordingly, she, radiant with beauty and youth, was presented to Indra, the thousand-eyed king. At that moment, desire and other emotions surged within Indra, filling him with great wonder. The maiden’s presence was not limited to the heavens alone; she journeyed through the netherworlds, among mortals, and across all eight directions. During this time, Prahlāda, a Dānava of great renown, was anointed king in the nether realms. On earth, the kings performed sacrifices according to proper rites, the Vaiśyas tended cattle, and the Śūdras joyfully served, each fulfilling their duties. The gods, too, resumed their activities, diligently engaging in their respective tasks. Meanwhile, Cyavana made his way to the sacred Narmada river to bathe, visiting the holy site known as Akulīśvara. As he descended, a serpent named Kekaralohita seized him. Remembering the lotus-eyed Lord, Cyavana invoked his grace, and the serpent was instantly freed from its poisonous nature. Released from poison, Kekaralohita let Cyavana go, and Cyavana was honored by the serpent maidens, who surrounded him with reverence. As Cyavana was being worshipped, Prahlāda, the lord of the Daityas, caught sight of him. Prahlāda welcomed Cyavana, honored him with a seat, and questioned the reason for his arrival. Cyavana explained, “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, then asked Cyavana about the sacred places within Rasātala. Cyavana replied, “O mighty-armed one, it is known that Cakratīrtha lies in the depths of Rasātala.” He then informed the Dānavas who wished to travel to Nemiṣa, saying, “We shall see the lotus-eyed one, the infallible one clad in yellow garments.” With great preparations, they departed from Rasātala and arrived at the Nemiṣa forest, where they bathed joyfully. While wandering, Cyavana saw the sacred Sarasvatī river, her waters pure and serene. There, he noticed arrows lodged in mouths, entangled with one another, a sight that stirred Prahlāda’s anger deeply. Before him stood ascetics, their lofty matted hair and minds absorbed in austerity. They possessed the Śārṅga bow, the mighty cow, and two inexhaustible quivers. Prahlāda addressed these two supreme men, questioning, “Where is austerity, where is the burden of matted hair, and where are these two excellent weapons? Whatever one does, if capable, that indeed is accomplished by him.” One of the ascetics replied, “While I stand here, O lord of the demons, as the establisher of the bridge of dharma, no one is able to fight against Nara and Nārāyaṇa in battle.” Prahlāda, undeterred, declared, “By any means, I will defeat Nara and Nārāyaṇa in combat.” He strung his bow, drew the cord, and made a most terrible sound with his palm. Releasing arrows equal to those of his opponents, Prahlāda cut them with arrows tipped with gold. Angered, he bent his great bow and unleashed a variety of arrows. Nara responded by releasing five, then six sharp arrows, each protected by his bow, and the battle raged on between the mighty warriors.