Once, the mighty wind-god, whose movements are effortless, beheld a hundred maidens and was captivated by their beauty. Approaching them, he declared his desire: “I wish for you all to become my wives. Abandon your human state, and you shall gain a long life. Among mortals, youth quickly fades, but for you, I offer unfading youth and immortality.” Hearing these words, the hundred maidens laughed together and replied with gentle firmness, “O best of the gods, you move within all beings, and all are aware of your power. Why, then, do you disregard us? We are the daughters of King Kuśanābha, and we practice austerity to protect our place and virtue. Let not such a time come, O misguided one, when you would dishonor our truthful father. It is through our father that we seek a husband, for he is our lord and highest deity. Whoever our father gives us to, he shall be our husband.” Enraged by their steadfastness, the wind-god, Hari, entered their bodies in his wrath and broke them, reducing the maidens to the size of a finger. Terrified and afflicted, the hundred daughters, their forms bent and their eyes filled with tears, returned to their father’s house, deeply agitated yet modest. Seeing his beloved daughters so broken and distressed, King Kuśanābha was overcome with sorrow. He asked them, “What has happened, my daughters? Who has disregarded righteousness and caused you to become crooked? You move about, but do not speak.” Sighing deeply, he composed himself and waited for their response. The hundred maidens, wise and devoted, touched their father’s feet and spoke, “O king, the wind, who pervades all, sought to violate us, disregarding righteousness. We are under your authority, O blessed one; we are not independent. If you give us to him, then we are his, but he did not accept our words. Bound to sin, he struck us harshly when we refused.” Hearing this, the supremely righteous king, resplendent in his virtue, comforted his daughters. “Patience is the greatest duty of those who are forbearing, my daughters. You have acted together and preserved our family’s honor. Adornment is for women, but patience is for men; yet such forbearance is difficult even for the gods. The patience you have all shown, without exception, is itself charity, truth, and sacrifice. Patience is fame, patience is righteousness, and the world itself rests upon patience.” Thus, the mighty king praised his daughters and let them go. Desiring to find worthy husbands for them, Kuśanābha consulted with his ministers, considering the proper time, place, and recipient. At that very time, a radiant sage named Cūlī, steadfast in celibacy and virtue, was engaged in deep austerity. Attending upon him was Somadā, a Gandharva maiden and daughter of Ūrmilā, who served him devotedly. Pleased by her service, the sage offered her a boon. Somadā, skilled in speech and delighted, said, “Blessed with Brahmanical splendor, O great ascetic, I desire a righteous son endowed with Brahmanical penance. I am without a husband and not anyone’s wife; having approached you through Brahmanical means, you are worthy to grant me a son.” The sage, pleased with her devotion, granted her an excellent son, born of his mind—Brahmadatta, son of Cūlī. Brahmadatta became a glorious king, ruling the city of Kāmpilya with splendor like the lord of gods. King Kuśanābha, recognizing Brahmadatta’s virtue, resolved to give his hundred daughters to him. Summoning the illustrious Brahmadatta, the delighted king gave his daughters in marriage. In due order, Brahmadatta took their hands, as the lord of gods does with his consorts. At his very touch, the maidens were freed from their deformity and suffering, and their beauty shone forth once more. Seeing his daughters released from their affliction by the wind-god, King Kuśanābha rejoiced again and again. After the marriage, the king sent Brahmadatta, his wives, and their teachers on their way. Somadā, the Gandharva maiden, joyfully welcomed her daughters-in-law, praising Kuśanābha for his righteousness. With Brahmadatta married and departed, the childless King Kuśanābha, longing for a grandson, performed a great sacrifice to obtain a son.