When the body perishes, the debt one owes to the ancestors is also brought to an end—this is certain. But if the other three debts are left unfulfilled, the very self is lost. For this reason, the noblest among the twice-born strive to have children in this world, just as I myself was conceived in my father’s lineage through the efforts of that great soul. So now, in my own line, how shall I ensure the birth of offspring? The supreme importance of obtaining a son was declared—it surpasses all other duties. In times of hardship, whether high or low, men yearn for a son. The virtuous, especially, desire excellent offspring, for such children bring the fruits of righteousness. Thus, after respectfully consulting the assembly of eminent Brahmins, the knower of dharma considered seeking a Brahmin of noble qualities. In private, he spoke to his illustrious wife Kunti, saying, “In this time of adversity, strive to bear children.” Offspring, when joined with righteousness, are the very foundation of the worlds, O Kunti—so say the wise who know the eternal law. Sacrifices performed, gifts bestowed, austerities practiced, and discipline observed—all these are not said to purify one who remains without offspring. Knowing this, gentle-smiling one, I see that without children, I shall not attain the auspicious worlds, and so I reflect. Indeed, being childless, I desire death, not life. You alone know of the secret curse placed upon me by the deer, and how, through a cruel deed, I have been utterly struck down. There are six types of sons, O Pṛthā, who are considered kinsmen and heirs according to the law; and there are six others who are not so—listen as I explain. The son who is self-born, one who is appointed, one who is purchased, one born of a remarried woman, one born to an unmarried woman, and one born to a woman who acts of her own will—these are the kinds. Additionally, a son who is given, one who is bought, one who is artificial, one who comes of his own accord, one who is raised together, one who is a relative, and one who is born of a lower womb—these are also recognized. When there is no prior or more suitable son, one may seek a son; in adversity, people desire a son from a brother-in-law or from a superior man. The best offspring, fruitful in righteousness, are obtained even from one’s own seed, O Pṛthā—so declared Manu, son of Svāyambhuva. Therefore, today I urge you, for I am myself deprived of the power to beget children. Know, illustrious one, that offspring from an equal or superior is to be desired. Listen, Kunti, to this story of Śāradaṇḍāyinī. Your virtuous sister, the renowned Śrutasenā, was wedded to the great Kaikeya, the illustrious Śāradāṇḍāyana. That heroic wife, instructed by her elder on the matter of bearing a son, bathed with devotion at night at the crossroads. She chose a learned and accomplished Brahmin and, having offered fire in the rite for a son, united with him. There she bore three great warriors—Durjaya and his brothers. So you too, blessed one, by my instruction, should quickly strive to produce offspring from a Brahmin endowed with ascetic power. Thus addressed, Kunti, O great king, spoke to Pāṇḍu, her heroic and royal husband, the bull among the Kurus. “You should not, O knower of righteousness, speak to me in this way at all, for I am your devoted wife, O lotus-eyed one. O mighty-armed Bhārata, you yourself will beget sons in me, heroic and endowed with strength, according to righteousness. O tiger among men, I wish to go to heaven together with you; for the sake of offspring, let it be you alone who approaches me, O joy of the Kurus. Indeed, I would not even in thought approach another man besides you; who else on earth is superior to you? Now, O righteous one, listen to this ancient story of virtue, O wide-eyed one, which is well-known—I will recount it. There was once a king named Vyuṣitāśva, famed as a most righteous soul, who increased the line of Puru. When that righteous, mighty sacrificer was performing the rite, the gods, along with Indra and the divine sages, arrived there. Indra rejoiced with Soma, and the twice-born received gifts at the sacrifice of the great-souled king Vyuṣitāśva. Then the gods and Brahmin sages themselves performed the rites; King Vyuṣitāśva shone brighter than mortals. Just as the sun outshines all beings at the end of winter, so did that foremost king, having conquered and subdued other rulers. Vyuṣitāśva, powerful in glory, subdued the kings of the east, north, west, and south at the great horse sacrifice. That king, endowed with the strength of ten elephants, became renowned; indeed, those versed in ancient lore sing his praises. O best of Kurus, when Vyuṣitāśva’s fame increased among men, he conquered the earth up to the ocean’s edge. He protected all classes as a father protects his own sons; the sacrificer gave wealth to Brahmins through great sacrifices. He acquired countless treasures and performed grand rituals; he pressed much Soma and established many Soma rites. His wife was Kakshivati, highly esteemed; her name was Bhadra, unmatched in beauty among mortals. It is heard that the two desired each other deeply; he, fulfilled in love with her, was struck by illness. Within a short time, like the sun setting, he departed from this world; and when the king died, his wife was overwhelmed with grief.