His royal pomp and grandeur were like those of a hundred Indras; he was the abode of grace, splendour, might and wisdom. He had a daughter, Vishvamohini, whose beauty enraptured even Lakshmi.

She was no other than Hari’s own delusive power, a mine of all virtues and so exquisite that no words could describe her. The princess was about to choose a husband, and for this reason innumerable princes had come as suitors.

The sportive sage (Narada) entered the city and began to make inquiries of the people. When he heard of all that had been going on there, he proceeded to the king’s palace, where the king paid him homage and gave him a seat.

The king brought the princess and showed her to Narada and said, “Tell me, good sir, after consideration, all that is good or bad about her.”

When the sage beheld her beauty, he forgot his vow of continence and remained gazing at her for a long time. When he read the distinctive marks on her body, he was lost in reverie. Though inwardly delighted, he would not say anything openly.

“He who weds this maiden,” he said to himself, “shall become immortal, and no one shall be able to conquer him on the field of battle. He whom Shilanidhi’s daughter weds shall be adored by all creation, animate and inanimate.”

Though the sage calculated her traits and fortune, he laid them up in his heart and to the king he made some pretence of an answer. “Your daughter is indeed fortunate,” said Narada to the king and went off pondering.