Forgetting the troubles of the past, the merchant once again set out for trade, accompanied by his brother-in-law. The Sūta narrates that the sage gathered a variety of precious jewels, arranging his ships and traveling from one country to another in pursuit of business. Immersed in buying and selling, he stayed in foreign lands for a long time, his mind steadfast and industrious. However, the inevitable workings of karma brought distress upon him. One night, while everyone slept, thieves stole away a great portion of his wealth. After performing his morning duties, the merchant entered the royal assembly and spoke respectfully, “Listen, O lord of the earth. All the thieves have escaped; we do not know, O king, who is responsible.” The king, his eyes red with anger, commanded, “You all come here at once. Otherwise, I will kill you and your followers,” instructing his messengers to act swiftly. Despite many attempts, the stolen goods, now mixed with the thieves, could not be recovered. The merchant, fearing for his life and those with him, lamented, “The king will kill me along with my group; what can I do? Where is happiness for me now? Death at the Narmada grants attainment of Shiva’s world.” Meanwhile, a foreign merchant noticed the merchant’s remaining wealth. Suspecting him to be a thief, they bound him, hoping to protect themselves. Even the king did not consider whether his actions were opposed to Hari. Thus, the merchant and his brother-in-law were thrown into prison, their limbs and feet shackled in iron chains. The virtuous merchant, together with his brother-in-law, lamented deeply and repeatedly, “Where are my daughter and wife now? See how fate has reversed our fortunes. Surely, I have done much in the past that displeased fate.” For twelve days, both father-in-law and brother-in-law suffered in distress. Those wise ones who always listen to the teachings of Hari dwell in His abode, while those opposed to Him wander many hells. Dharma, sacrifice, king, and thief—all are dear to Lakshmi. To mothers and gods, offerings in sacrifice are ‘svadha’ and ‘svaha.’ Of these, the thief is the destroyer; yet all are servants of dharma. Meanwhile, the wealth of the virtuous merchant, lacking truth and left in his house, was gradually depleted. He sold garments, ornaments, and other possessions to sustain his family. One day, his daughter found herself without food or clothing. Seeing her father praying to the Lord of the universe, she too prayed to Hari, saying aloud, “Come, I will worship you.” When scolded by her mother, she wondered, “O auspicious one, where shall I stay at this time?” In the Kali age, actions yield immediate results. The daughter prayed, “Let my father and master return to this land, as I desire.” Seeking relief, the woman arrived at the house of Śīlapāla, the protector and guardian. Hearing her plight, Śīlapāla generously gave her five niṣkas of wealth. Freed from debt, she went to perform the ancestral rites at Gayā. Līlāvatī, together with her, performed the worship with devotion. In the city on the banks of the Narmadā, the king slept in his palace. A brāhmaṇa appeared and gently awakened him, saying, “Rise, rise, O king! Release those two virtuous ones.