He gathered vast multitudes of subjects, amassed great heaps of wealth, and collected various splendid vehicles. Through his loyal servants, he organized everything in due order, assembling a mighty army. This force was formidable: ten thousand chariots thundered at its core, and thirty crores of archers stood ready for battle. Thus, O Nārada, the lord of the Dānavas formed an immeasurable army, its strength beyond reckoning. He became renowned as a great chariot-warrior, the foremost among charioteers on the battlefield. His forces numbered thirty full akṣauhiṇīs, each equipped with a vast array of weapons and armor. Mounted upon a celestial chariot adorned with the finest jewels, he set forth. His journey brought him to the sacred bank of the Puṣpabhadrā river, where the auspicious and imperishable banyan tree stands. This was the very place where the sage Kapila had performed his austerities—a holy region in Bhārata, north of Śrīśaila and south of Gandhamādana, where the ever-full, auspicious Puṣpabhadrā river flows. His wife, ever fortunate and fond of salt water, had emerged from the Himalayas, mingling her waters with the Sharavati before joining the Puṣpabhadrā. There, at that sanctified spot, Shankhacuda arrived and beheld Chandrashekhara. He saw the great Lord standing in a yogic posture, his gestures serene, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He bore a trident and spear, was clad in a tiger skin, and radiated excellence. With three eyes and five faces, he wore a serpent as his sacred thread. This was the remover of death for his devotees, peaceful, beloved of Gauri, and ever delightful. Easily pleased, his gracious face shone with benevolence, and he bestowed favors generously upon those who worshipped him. He was the sustainer of the universe, the best among all, and the very cause of its dissolution. He was the giver, the seed, and the bliss of knowledge—eternal. With all his companions, Shankhacuda, filled with devotion, bowed his head in reverence. Kali, Skanda, and Shankara each blessed him in turn. There, at that very moment, they engaged in mutual conversation. With a tranquil mind, the blessed great god spoke. Sri Mahadeva said, “Marichi was his son, a devotee of Vishnu and ever righteous. Kashyapa was also his son, supremely virtuous and a great progenitor. Among them was Danu, virtuous and prosperous by good fortune, and among them too was Vipracitti, of great strength and valor. Vipracitti recited the supreme mantra at Puṣkara for a hundred thousand years, and then he obtained you as his son, one wholly devoted to Krishna. Now, because of Rādhikā’s curse, the lord of the Dānavas dwells in Bhārata. Even the highest states—sharing the same world, opulence, form, nearness, or oneness with Hari—Brahmahood or even immortality—were considered insignificant by a true devotee of Vishnu. What value is there for you, a devotee of Krishna, in wandering among the domains of the gods? Remain happily in your own sovereignty; let the gods abide in their own positions. Whatever sins may exist, even those as grave as the killing of a Brahmin—if, O king of kings, you are troubled by the loss of your wealth—remember that the disappearance of Brahma himself occurs at the time of cosmic dissolution. Knowledge, intellect, asceticism, and memory are all firmly established in this world. The highest dharma is always rooted in truth and upheld by truth.” Thus spoke the great Lord, imparting wisdom to Shankhacuda in that sacred place.