When the destined time had passed, shaped by the consequences of my own actions, there arose a king—greatly fortunate and steadfast in his dharma. His son, equally blessed and unwavering in duty, ventured into the forest to hunt, seeking game to please his father. Yet, in that wild place, the prince found nothing suitable for his father’s purpose. As he searched, he came upon a most auspicious creature, trembling from a wound struck in the middle of its body. After drinking water nearby, she moved to the branch of a tree. In that sacred spot, belonging to Soma, she unwillingly surrendered her life. The prince then reached the holy place known as Gṛdhravaṭa and rested there. With a single arrow, the vulture was struck down by her. Its life departed, senses lost, heart pierced by the arrow. The prince then cut off the vulture’s wings and took them. In time, though without desire, he too died after a long period, O bird. He was handsome and learned, and his presence often caused blindness among the people. That jackal, through the cycles of fate, was reborn as the daughter of the king of Kanchi. She was endowed with sixty-four arts and possessed a sweet voice, melodious as a cuckoo’s song. Thus, in the kingdom of Kanchi in Kaliṅga, events unfolded in this manner. By my grace, a bond was formed on earth, arising naturally. The princess was married to the prince of Kaliṅga according to proper rites. Divine ornaments, elephants, horses, buffaloes, and women were bestowed, and the prince brought them to his own house, honored by the king. Their mutual affection remained unbroken, like the enduring love between Rohini and the Moon. Whether in the forest or in gardens, all around them seemed as delightful as Nandana. Yet, the illustrious princess sometimes felt herself lost, and out of affection, even the earth seemed nearly lost. No one could perceive any difference between these two virtuous ones. The prince of Kaliṅga pleased both the citizens and all the people of the land. All were satisfied by their noble character and virtues. They delighted in each other, as Śacī delights in Indra. In her affection, the illustrious princess revealed her heart to the prince, sharing her feelings in friendship. Out of devotion to me, and because it was dear to her, she asked him to speak of it. The prince, whose eyes were like lotus petals, responded with sweet words. “I will tell you everything, O beautiful one; I swear by truth. The root of it, O queen, is austerity; the kingdom is founded in truth. I have never spoken falsely before; tell me, what shall I do for you? Or else, I will perform for you the supreme and excellent coronation.” He reminded her, “One who is asleep must not be seen; this vow lasts but a moment.” Having made the kingdom free from thorns and handed it over, he departed to the fifth state. This dharma, established by Manu, has always been so; it is not seen otherwise. And so, that which was previously contemplated—desiring to see his beloved—was fulfilled, as destiny had ordained.