As the king prepared to bathe, a magnificent celebration unfolded around him. The air was alive with the sounds of various musical instruments, while some women danced gracefully and others sang melodious songs, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the celestial festivities that accompany Indra’s own ablutions. Attended with all the honors of divine service, the great-hearted king immersed himself in the sacred waters. As he did so, a sense of wonder filled him, and he pondered deeply: “Is all this splendor due to the power of the sage, the force of his austerities, or perhaps the potency of that wondrous jewel?” After completing his bath, the king donned auspicious and exquisite garments. Following the prescribed rituals, he then enjoyed a sumptuous feast, partaking of many delicious foods. The great sage, who had so devoutly served the king, extended the same honor and hospitality to the king’s attendants, ensuring all were treated with equal reverence. As the king, his attendants, his army, and their vehicles dined, the sun—glowing with a soft, reddish light—began its descent toward the mountain of setting. Soon, night arrived, adorned with the radiant autumn moon and a sky full of shining stars. The moon, consort of Rohini, cast its gentle radiance, blending harmoniously with the tranquil qualities of the evening. In this celestial interplay, the illustrious Bhrigu, the lord of the gods, and the preceptor of the demons all rose with the dark-rayed sun. Yet, as the lunar fortnight commenced, their brilliance faded, for by their very nature, the minds of living beings are influenced by these cosmic rhythms. The son of the earth lost his deep redness, while Rahu, pale, was released from the moon’s bright rays. Thus, the world continued in its natural order, both among gods and demons, and the virtuous king remained powerful by his own inherent nature. Within the circle of rays called the “lord of the white,” pure as the grinding stone of the sun’s wisdom, even the comet could not bring great darkness. In such times, the movement of the skilled was clear and unimpeded. The king’s son, illuminating the world with his deeds, shone with intelligence heightened by Mercury’s rise. The desires of the attendants, long nurtured by their closeness, found harmony among the virtuous. Though the comet tinged the sky with a tawny hue for a long time, it remained steadfast on the path of the king and the gods. Yet, an evil person, even in the company of the good, can never display true skill in his actions. Those illuminated by the moon’s rays shone even more brightly at every turn. Those born of noble families, upholding the sacred law of their origin, attained great heights through their union with powerful, righteous influences. The king’s son, born of the sun and Varuna, overcame all who were attached to the three faults. Established in the Kauśika lineage, he never performed Vedic rituals in any manner other than prescribed. That child of mine, who once united all dualities and honored the royal throne, continued to shine for a long time, blessed with fortune and intelligence. Through constant remembrance of Vishnu, even the unattainable became steadfast and secure. Thus, the night passed in the sage’s auspicious hermitage—a night filled with blessings for the unconquerable king and his retinue, with noble horses and elephants, and worship adorned with the finest garments, ornaments, and offerings. The night itself was like a jewel, with splendid cloths draping the best beds in every house. Beautiful women, radiant with graceful gestures, added to the brilliance of the occasion. At the close of the festivities, the king dismissed the landholders and attendants to their homes. When all had departed, he rested well, surrounded by noble women, shining with glory like the lord of the gods in heaven. Thus, the noble king and his attendants, their minds filled with joy, slept peacefully through the night, all due to the sage’s influence. But when dawn broke, the king awoke to a startling sight: the women and the splendid houses had vanished without a trace. The magnificent seats and water vessels, too, were nowhere to be seen. Struck with amazement and distress, the king began to ponder deeply. Again and again he thought, “How might I obtain that miraculous gem?” Thus, King Durjaya devised a plan. Determined, he resolved, “I will take this wish-fulfilling gem from the sage.” With this intention, the king set out from the hermitage with his retinue, traveling only a short distance before sending his minister, Virocana, to request the gem from the sage Gauramukha. Virocana approached the sage, ready to make the request: “O king, vessel of jewels, let the gem be given to him.” But Gauramukha, angered by this plea, replied sternly, “The Brahmin receives, the king gives—how is it that, having become king again, you now beg so pitiably?” He further instructed, “Say this to the wicked king Durjaya: ‘Go quickly, O evildoer, lest the world abandon you.’” Having spoken thus, the sage went eastward to gather sacred grass and firewood, all the while reflecting on the gem, destroyer of enemies. The messenger returned and reported everything to King Durjaya. Upon hearing the Brahmin’s words, Durjaya’s anger flared. He commanded his vassal Nila, “Go at once, seize the Brahmin’s gem, and return quickly, by any means necessary.” Obeying the order, Nila set out with a great army for the sage’s forest hermitage. There, he saw the gem placed in the fire-sacrifice hall, and descended from his chariot to the ground. But as the fierce Nila approached, warriors of terrifying aspect and cruel intent emerged from the gem itself, weapons in hand. From the gem burst forth countless mighty warriors, unconquerable in battle, equipped with chariots, banners, horses, arrows, swords, shields, bows, and quivers. Among them stood fifteen great and valiant leaders: Suprabha, Diptatejas, Surashmi, Shubhadarshana, Sukanti, Sundara, Sunda, Pradyumna, Sumana, Shubha, Sushila, Sukhada, Shambhu, Sudanta, and Soma. Seeing Virocana surrounded by a great army, these eager warriors, armed with many weapons, rushed into battle. Their bows gleamed with golden brilliance, their arrows tipped with fine jambunada gold. Dreadful swords fell, as did powerful maces and spears. Chariot confronted chariot, elephant faced elephant, horse met horse, and foot-soldier challenged foot-soldier in fierce combat, each striving for supremacy. All around, duels erupted as heroes met their rivals, the conflict growing ever more terrifying with arrows flying and arms wielded fiercely in the tumult of battle.