While Rama ruled the kingdom, a golden age prevailed over the earth. Under his just and noble reign, sages, gods, and humans lived without fear of thieves; peace and righteousness flourished in every corner. All people walked the path of dharma—nowhere among living beings was there anyone unrighteous. The very breath of life was in harmony throughout the land, and even now, those who remember the ancient tales sing of that blessed era. Rama himself was dark-complexioned, ever youthful, with red eyes shining like embers. Mighty as a bull among elephants, his long arms reached to his knees, his face was handsome, his shoulders broad as a lion’s, and his strength immense. He ruled the earth for ten thousand and one hundred years, enjoying the fruits of kingship and prosperity. Throughout the world, wise men spoke only of “Rama, Rama, Rama”—so great was his presence that the world itself seemed to become Rama. In those days, all the twice-born were learned in the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas; none was ignorant of sacred knowledge. Having dwelled in the Dandaka forest, Rama fulfilled the task of the gods. He, the foremost of men, a descendant of Pulastya who had committed grievous wrongs—Ravana, the enemy of gods, Gandharvas, and Nagas—was slain by Rama. Courageous and virtuous, shining with his own brilliance, Rama, mighty-armed and illustrious, brought glory to the Ikshvaku line. Having vanquished Ravana and his followers, the unconquerable Rama, the great-souled son of Dasharatha, ascended to heaven—his manifestation renowned in all the worlds. In the course of time, Krishna was born—the mighty-armed, remover of fear for the frightened—marked with the divine Srivatsa, in the twenty-eighth age. Gracious and generous, honored by all, he was ever mindful, knowing the right time and place, and bearing the conch, discus, mace, and sword. Known as Vasudeva, he was always devoted to the welfare of the worlds and was born in the Vrishni clan, wishing to bring good to the earth. Krishna became famed as the destroyer of Madhu, a generous giver, and a terror to his enemies. He destroyed the strongholds of Shakata, Arjuna, and Rama. In battle, he slew Kamsa and other wicked kings—demons in human form. Thus did the great-souled one manifest for the welfare of the world. At the end of the Kali age, when righteousness has declined, Kalki—named Vishnuyasha—will again be born as Hari. He will come for the destruction of heretical hosts and the increase of righteousness, desiring the welfare of the Brahmins. These and many other divine manifestations of Vishnu, attended by hosts of gods, are sung in the Puranas by those versed in the Vedas and Brahman. When Bhishma had recounted these wondrous events, Yudhishthira, the joy of the Kauravas and son of Kunti, again spoke to him. “O best of speakers,” he said, “I wish to hear once more about the birth of illustrious Upendra among the Vrishnis. Just as the blessed Janardana was born on earth among the Madhavas, O greatly wise one, tell me of that, O grandsire.” Thus addressed, Bhishma, the mighty elder, began to narrate the circumstances of the birth of the great-souled Kesava among the Madhavas. “Now, Yudhishthira, listen as I truly recount how Narayana was born among the Vrishnis. Long ago, during the Krita Yuga, a great battle was waged, renowned throughout the three worlds as the Tarakamaya war. Virochana, Maya, Taraka, Varaha, Shveta, Viprachitti, Pralamba, Vritra, Jambha, and Bala—along with Namuchi, Kalanemi, the famed Prahlada, Lamba, Kishora, Svarbhanu, Arishta, and the lord of the Rakshasas—gathered for war. Countless other Daityas, adorned with weapons, ornaments, and diverse mounts, assembled by the thousands. These Daityas and Danavas stood ready to face the gods. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Sadhyas, Visvedevas, Maruts, Indra, Yama, Varuna, Chandra, and the lord of wealth, together with the two Ashvins and all the hosts of the gods, engaged in a terrible battle with the Danavas, each in their own order. The clash between gods and Daityas was fierce and dreadful, the field crowded with divine and demonic warriors. Weapons flew as both sides advanced, and the Daityas struck down the gods, along with the Gandharvas, Yakshas, Nagas, and Charanas. The hosts of gods were being overwhelmed and slain. In their distress, the gods sought Narayana, the supreme lord, as their protector. In that moment, Hari himself appeared—radiant as the sun, bearing the conch, discus, and mace, honored by all the worlds, and mounted upon Garuda. Seeing his arrival, the gods were filled with joy and cast off their fear, returning to the battle with renewed vigor. The conflict became even more terrible and awe-inspiring, and led by Shakra, all the gods struck down the Daityas. Oppressed by the gods, the Daityas and Danavas fled the battlefield. But then, O Bharata, the Danava known as Kalanemi appeared—terrible in battle, with a hundred arms, a hundred faces, a hundred heads, and resplendent as a mountain with a hundred peaks, he stood firm and unyielding amidst the chaos.