Despite the efforts of many to restrain them, those with wicked intentions pressed on relentlessly. Amidst this turmoil, one felt trapped, like a lion confined in a cage, pondering desperately, “Who will save us?” A woman’s voice rose above the chaos, loud and anguished, crying out, “Alas, how terrible!” The suffering was not hers alone; Gokarna too was deeply afflicted in numerous ways. Yet, with joined palms and a gentle, sorrowful voice, Gokarna gradually offered comfort to those around him. He declared, “If I am present there, I will restrain that king.” Upon hearing these words, everyone regained their composure and asked, “Who are you? Tell us, and why have you come here from your place?” Gokarna replied, “Once, I saw you all—beautiful in form and lovely-eyed. Now you are disheveled, which only increases my sorrow.” In response, the eldest among them, adorned with flowers of her kind, stepped forward and spoke. She recalled a time when they all possessed pleasing forms, beautiful limbs, and were devoted to nurturing flowers. But royal officials had afflicted them, cutting and uprooting the plants. Deprived of their garlands, only roots and trunks remained. She explained further: the deity residing there was a stone, enclosed in clay or brick, and the water-filled vessel served as irrigation for the grove. She pointed out that the fruit-bearing and golden trees, if destroyed, would not cause the deformity that had now arisen. Gokarna then asked, “Tell me the meritorious result of making well-deities there.” Jyeshtha replied, “Through sacrifice, one attains heaven; through charitable works, one attains liberation. Reservoirs, wells, ponds, and shrines of the deities are highly praised. The worlds obtained by giving land and cows are also celebrated. Even a single peepal, pichumanda, banyan, or ten kinds of flowering trees—just as a good son uplifts the family, so too, with great effort and discipline, do these trees uplift.” Gokarna continued, “By providing shade and rest for travelers, and shelter for birds, these trees serve many purposes. Their leaves, roots, bark, and other parts are medicines for living beings. Their wood is used for household needs, and they are homes for small creatures. Twice a year, they bear fruit, which birds and others enjoy. Thus, those who know reality understand the planting of sons in this way.” Hearing all this, Sri Varaha exclaimed, “Alas! How terrible!” and, overwhelmed, became unconscious and fell down. The others quickly consoled him, sprinkling water until the wise one regained consciousness. Gokarna then said, “In Mathura, that garden and temple belong to me. If I go there, may it be in the presence of the king of the ancestors.” The eldest replied, “I will take you, if it pleases you, O sinless one.” Swiftly, they mounted a vehicle shaped like a celestial chariot. She advised, “Take this gift for the king; you must give him something priceless.” Gokarna arose and went to where the king was stationed. The king, delighted merely by seeing him, welcomed him warmly, seating him with affection on half the throne, like a generous giver of jewels or wealth. “I will show you something wonderful and also tell you about it, O sir,” the king said. “As the army moves in half a moment, so you must do likewise.” Gokarna followed the king’s instructions precisely. All those present praised Gokarna again and again, exclaiming, “Well done! Well done!