“You have lost your sovereignty through your own actions, O fair-smiling maiden, and so your fall is ordained. Here, the gods themselves act with bodies, and it is by those very bodies that they immediately receive the fruits of their deeds. But for humans, the results of good or evil are experienced only in another birth, after death—such is the established order. Among the gods, actions yield fruit at once; among humans, the results come only after their passing. Therefore, my daughter, you must fall from your present state and, after your death, receive what you have earned. You are a maiden without a father, regarded as the daughter of Vasu. Though born from the womb of a fish, you will become the daughter of a king. Once, Adrikā, a celestial nymph, took the form of a fish and met the river Ganga. From this union, you shall bear a son for Parāśara, who will become his illustrious heir. That son, a brahmarshi, will divide the single Veda into four parts. He, the son of the great sage, will increase the glory of Śantanu. You will also give birth to the valiant eldest son, Citrāngada, and to the renowned Citravīrya. After bringing forth these noble sons, you will depart once more. Because you transgressed the ancestors, you will be born in a lower form, as the daughter of this very king, through Adrikā. In the twenty-eighth Dvāpara Yuga, you will be born from the womb of a fish. Thus, as was spoken in ancient times, you were born as the auspicious Satyavatī. Adrikā, known as a celestial nymph, was cursed by Brahma and took the form of a fish. After giving birth, she returned to heaven. From her, you were born, O maiden, by the king’s seed. Therefore, Vasu asked you to bear a son to continue his line. He said, ‘O fortunate one, grant me union.’ Overwhelmed with astonishment, recalling her past birth, the maiden replied, ‘Behold, O lord, the sages standing on the far shore. How can there be union between us, with them watching?’ Thus addressed, the sage created a thick mist, enveloping the entire region in darkness. Seeing this marvel, the maiden was both astonished and bashful, her mind devoted to austerity. She said, ‘Because of union with you, O sinless one, I will lose my maidenhood. If my virginity is spoiled, how can I return home, best of the twice-born? I wish to go home, I cannot remain; please consider this, O lord, and arrange what should follow.’ To her, the best of sages replied with affection, ‘Having fulfilled my wish, you shall remain a maiden. Choose a boon, O timid one, whatever you desire, for my favor has never before been fruitless.’ Thus addressed, she chose the supreme boon of sweet fragrance for her body, and the blessed sage granted her wish. Delighted and adorned with her new quality, she united with the sage of wondrous deeds. From that day, her fragrance could be sensed a yojana away, and because of this, she became known by another name. Thus Satyavatī, joyful, received her peerless boon. United with Parāśara, she immediately conceived, and on an island in the Yamuna, the mighty Parāśara’s son was born. Having sought his mother’s permission, the boy fixed his mind upon asceticism, promising, ‘I will appear whenever you remember me, for any task.’ Thus, Dvaipayana was born to Satyavatī and Parāśara; because he was born on an island, he is remembered as Dvaipayana. That wise one established Dharma suited to each age, considering the lifespan, strength, and the condition of the yugas. Out of a desire to benefit Brahman and the Brahmins, he divided the Vedas for us, and thus he is known as Vyāsa. He taught the Vedas and the fifth Veda, the Mahābhārata, to Sumantu, Jaimini, Paila, and his own son Shuka. The supreme Lord also taught Vaishampāyana; by these disciples, the Samhitas of Bharata were revealed in different branches. Likewise, Bhishma, son of Shantanu and Ganga, of immeasurable splendor, was born from the power of the Vasus, possessing great might and fame. There was also the blessed sage, renowned and learned in Vaidartha, who once, due to suspicion, was impaled on a stake, though innocent—a seer of ancient times. He is famed as Ani Mandavya. Long ago, this great sage summoned Dharma and spoke: ‘In childhood, I pierced a Shakuntika bird with a reed. I remember this as my sin, Dharma; I recall no other evil. Why then did my immense ascetic merit not protect me? The killing of a Brahmin is more grievous than the slaying of all creatures.’ Dharma replied, ‘Therefore, you shall be born from the womb of a Shudra, because of this sin.’ Thus, the wise one was born as Vidura, righteous and wise, the result of that past deed. Sanjaya, akin to a sage, was born as a charioteer from Gavalgana. From Surya, the mighty Karna was born to Kunti, with natural armor and earrings shining upon his face. And finally, for the welfare of the worlds, Vishnu himself, revered by all, was born from Vasudeva and Devaki, possessing great fame.