In the celestial realms, gentle breezes drifted, carrying with them the intoxicating fragrance of kunda and coral tree blossoms—scents as cool and soothing as the rays of the moon. The famed Nandana grove flourished nearby, its flowering creepers clustered in abundance, their pollen and filaments creating a delicate, eager mist that hung in the air. Within this paradise, Nārada and Tumburu played their lutes, filling the heavens with sweet, resonant notes. Their music delighted the celestial maidens, who danced joyfully, moved by the beloved songs that echoed through the grove. All around, those who had earned merit in their lives soared happily through the sky, adorned with radiant ornaments and residing in splendid aerial chariots. The celestial women, radiant and proud, intoxicated by their own beauty and passion, attended the lord of the gods with devotion, clinging to him as forest vines embrace the trees. The grove itself was alive with wish-fulfilling trees, their branches heavy with flowers woven from moonbeams, clusters of precious gems, and ripe jewels gleaming in the light. Into this divine assembly came Śukra, who resolved to greet Indra, the illustrious lord of Śacī, with all due respect, as one would honor a second lord of the gods. With this intention in his heart, Śukra approached Indra and was received with great reverence—just as Bhṛgu himself might have been welcomed. Indra, rising with respect, took Śukra by the hand, brought him near, and seated him close by his side. With warmth, Indra said, “Blessed is this heaven today, Śukra, made splendid by your arrival. Please remain here for a long time.” Śukra, his face radiant, sat beside Indra, his beauty outshining even the spotless brilliance of the moon. Honored by all the hosts of gods, the son of Bhṛgu found deep satisfaction in their company. He let go of all human concerns and became serene, basking in the incomparable joy of the heavenly assembly. After some time resting at Indra’s side, Śukra, prompted by the celestial residents, rose to wander about heaven. He beheld its splendor—heaven adorned with women whose eyes danced restlessly, as if he were a swan gliding toward a lotus-filled pond. As he wandered, he saw her—a doe-eyed beauty—standing at the edge of the grove, graceful and delicate, like a bee poised near a tender mango shoot. Her form was adorned with playful, graceful movements, and at the sight of her, Śukra felt his very being melting away, just as moonstone dissolves under moonlight. Overcome, he gazed at her, his limbs dissolving, drawn to her as moonstone is to the cool, playful moonlight in the sky. She, too, became wholly devoted to him, her heart fluttering like a female chakravaka bird cooing for her beloved at the close of night. Their mutual delight and affection blossomed, radiating between them like the morning sun shining upon a lotus pond. This enchanted place, stirred by passion, granted the fulfillment of their every imagined desire. Overcome in every limb, she offered herself wholly to Śukra. Love’s countless arrows fell softly upon her tender limbs, like fresh rain streaming over lotus leaves. Agitated by love, her bangles and hair swayed, resembling a cluster of blossoms gently shaken by a soft breeze. Madana, the god of love, stirred her—she of blue-black eyes and swan-like gait—just as a flood stirs the tranquil waters of a lotus pond. Seeing her thus, Śukra, having attained his heart’s desire, conceived of darkness, like the creator of beings envisioning the dissolution of the world. At that moment, the region of heaven was filled with deep darkness, enveloping everything as if the very boundaries of the world were shrouded in gloom. In this circle of shadow, where shame and intense darkness prevailed, the two stood together, overcome by love. When all the other beings had departed in their chosen directions, Śukra and his beloved left that place and descended to the earthly realm, like birds returning to their nests at the end of the day. She, her glances long and bright and her passion grown strong, approached the son of Bhṛgu as a peahen approaches a raincloud. Within a white chamber, upon a prepared couch, the descendant of Bhṛgu entered, like Mādhava entering the ocean of milk. She, with her lovely face, clung helplessly to his feet, shining like a lotus at the foot of the lord of the gods. Then, with a voice playful and affectionate, sweet and joyful, her words adorned with charm, she spoke to him: “See, O moon-faced one, with his bow drawn, this Love-god pursues me, a helpless woman—what is this, O Ananga? Protect me, O Lord, helpless and destitute, who has taken refuge in you here; O noble one, know me to be devoted to true conduct, a poor soul seeking comfort. “O wise one, only fools disregard the intimacy revealed in the gaze of affection; those who understand its true essence never do so. When affection arises without suspicion between two who are mutually enamored, it brings forth a sweet flow, like savoring the taste of the moon, my beloved. Not even the sovereignty of the three worlds brings such happiness to the heart as the mutual joy of love in those first enamored. “By the touch of your feet, O giver of honor, I am comforted, just as the lotus at night is revived by the moon’s rays. By drinking the nectar of your touch, O beautiful one, I live—just as the restless chakorī bird lives by drinking the essence of the moon’s rays. Take me, who clings at your feet like a bee, and with your lotus-like hands, embrace me—your heart full of nectar and true purity.” Having spoken thus, she of tender, flower-like limbs fell upon his chest, her eyes rolling like a cluster of bees, swaying as a blossom in the breeze.