King Vasu, radiant scion of the Paurava lineage, was guided by the command of Indra himself to take possession of the beautiful and prosperous land of the Cedis. For a time, Vasu set aside his royal weapons and dwelled in an ashram, living the life of an ascetic. It was there that the gods, led by Shakra—Indra—approached him. They recognized the power of Vasu’s austerity and thought, “This king is worthy even of Indrahood.” Yet, with gentle words, they persuaded him to turn away from the path of renunciation. “Let not righteousness become mixed or lost upon the earth, O king,” they urged. “You uphold dharma, and it is dharma that sustains the world. We gods are the protectors of the heavens; you must protect humanity. Always steadfast, uphold righteousness among men, and in doing so you will attain the blessed, eternal worlds.” Indra spoke further, “On earth, you are my dear friend as I am in heaven. Rule in that region of the earth called Udha, for it is a land blessed with abundance—rich in cattle, wealth, and grain, secure and gentle, full of all enjoyments and virtues. The land of the Cedis is prosperous, filled with treasures and jewels. Dwell among the Cedis, O lord, for their people are righteous and content. Among them, even the free speak no falsehood, much less anyone else. Fathers do not divide their sons, who are ever devoted to their elders’ welfare; they harness their oxen to the plough and urge even the lean ones onward. Among the Cedis, all classes remain steadfast in their own duties, O giver of honor, and nothing in the three worlds is unknown to them.” Indra then promised Vasu a great and wondrous boon: “A celestial, crystal-like chariot, fit for the gods, will descend from the sky for you, given by me. Among all mortals, you alone shall ride in this foremost chariot, moving above the earth like a god in embodied form. I give you, too, the Vaijayanti garland, woven from unfading lotuses. Wear it in battle, and no weapon will harm you. This shall be your mark, O lord of men: you will be renowned as ‘Indra among men,’ blessed, incomparable, and great. And I grant you this staff of bamboo, bestower of all desired objects and protector of the worthy.” Thus consoled and honored, Vasu was gently turned away from his austerities by Indra. Having accomplished their purpose, the gods departed. Vasu, now adorned with Indra’s ornaments, mounted the celestial chariot and returned to his city. To honor Indra, Vasu arranged a grand festival, the greatest of all celebrations, on the earth. In the month of Margashirsha, during the waxing fortnight, a great sacrifice was performed. From that time onward, the noble kings have continued this tradition of the staff ceremony. According to the custom established by Vasu, the king’s entry is celebrated, and on the following day, the great elevation of the staff is performed. The staff, thirty-two cubits in height, is adorned with platforms, fragrant garlands, and ornaments, encircled with bands and festoons. It is raised on a platform twelve cubits high, surrounded by splendid cloths of many colors. The foremost Brahmins honor the banner with garments, food, and drink, and after reciting auspicious hymns, the banner is raised. At that time, the air resounds with the sound of conches, kettledrums, and mridangas, and Vasava—Indra—is worshipped there in the form of the staff. With devotion, the Yakshas, beginning with Manibhadra, are also worshipped alongside the gods, out of love for the great-hearted Vasava who accepted this offering. Gifts of many kinds are distributed to supplicants and friends, and the staff is adorned with garlands, bands, and diverse garments. All the people, with water-filled vessels, play by the king’s command, honoring him with joyful conversation. The townspeople and country folk alike rejoice, and bards, minstrels, dancers, and actors delight in the festivities. With joy, everyone celebrates the great festival—households, ministers, all adorned in their finest ornaments. Vasu himself, adorned with red ochre and accompanied by his wife, rejoiced among the great kings in their abodes. Thus, the people of the land performed the Indra festival for Vasu, just as Vasu, king of the Cedis, joyfully performed the festival for Indra. Witnessing this auspicious worship, Mahendra—Indra—mounted his chariot in the sky, yoked with tawny horses. With Śacī by his side and attended by hosts of Apsarases, he approached Vasu and spoke: “Those who worship with joy as you have done, O king, and arrange the festival as you have, will see prosperity and victory arise throughout their realms. Their land will flourish and be filled with happiness. Their crops will be abundant, and neither Rākṣasas nor Piśācas shall ever harm them.” Thus, the great-souled Mahendra honored Vasu, the noble king, with great affection. Having bestowed his blessings, Indra returned to his own abode. Those who always celebrate the festival of Śakra—honoring him with gifts of land, jewels, boons, and great sacrifices—continue this tradition. And so, Vasu, lord of the Cedis, honored by Maghavat, ruled the earth in the land of the Cedis, ever upholding dharma.