In ancient times, the gods themselves, along with the venerable Brahmin sages, performed sacred rites for King Vyushitasva, and he shone with a brilliance surpassing that of ordinary mortals. Like the sun radiating its glory at winter’s end, Vyushitasva, the foremost among kings, outshone all others, having conquered and subdued rival rulers. His power and fame grew as he subdued the kings of the east, north, west, and south during the grand horse sacrifice. Endowed with the strength of ten elephants, Vyushitasva became renowned throughout the land, and those learned in ancient lore sang his praises. When his fame reached its peak among men, he conquered the earth up to its very edges, where the oceans lie. As a true protector, Vyushitasva cared for all classes of society as a father cares for his sons. Through magnificent sacrifices, he bestowed great wealth upon the Brahmins. He amassed countless treasures and performed many grand rituals, pressing vast quantities of Soma and establishing numerous Soma rites. His wife was Kakshivati, whose name was Bhadra. She was highly esteemed and unmatched in beauty among mortals. It is heard that the two longed for each other, and Vyushitasva, fulfilled in love with Bhadra, was suddenly stricken by illness. In a short time, like the sun setting, the king departed from this world, leaving Bhadra overwhelmed with grief. Bereft of a son, Bhadra was deeply afflicted and lamented her loss. She poured out her sorrow, saying that a woman, no matter how righteous, is incomplete without her husband; to live without him is not truly to live, but to suffer. She declared that it was better to die than to live without her beloved, and prayed to follow him, begging him to be gracious and take her along his path. Even for a moment, she could not bear the thought of living without him. She pleaded for his favor, wishing to be swiftly taken from this world. She vowed to follow behind him, whether the path was smooth or rough, never turning back as he went. Like a shadow, she promised to always be obedient, devoted to his pleasure and welfare. From that day forward, Bhadra knew that sorrows would overwhelm her heart in his absence. She lamented her misfortune and the separation from her companions, which now mirrored her separation from her husband. She declared that any woman who lives separated from her husband, even for a moment, lives in misery—wretched, as though dwelling in hell. Bhadra reflected that unions and separations with husbands were the result of actions in previous lives, and that her current suffering was born from sinful deeds accumulated in former births. Now, sorrow had come upon her from being separated from her beloved. She resolved to lie on a bed of kusa grass, afflicted by unhappiness, devoted only to the thought of seeing him again. She cried out for him to show himself, to command her, though she was wretched and filled with sorrow, lamenting in misery and distress. As she embraced the lifeless body and lamented again and again, her voice choked with emotion, she spoke these words. Then, a gentle voice answered her, granting her a boon: “Rise, beautiful one, I grant you children through me. On your own bed, on the fourteenth or eighth day, after your ritual bath, you may unite with me.” Bhadra, devoted and desiring a son, followed these instructions precisely. Through Vyushitasva, even as he lay lifeless, Bhadra bore three sons of the Shalva line and four sons of the Madra line, thus continuing the royal lineage. In the same way, it was said, others could beget sons by the power of asceticism and yoga. Hearing this tale, another king spoke to a lady, uttering words of righteousness and knowledge of duty. He affirmed that Vyushitasva had indeed acted as she had described, and was like a god in ancient times. He then revealed the true principle of righteousness, as seen by ancient sages, knowers of dharma and great souls. In those days, women were unconfined, free to go where they wished, independent. It was not unrighteous for women to take husbands upon reaching youth; that was the dharma of ancient times. Even now, animals born without desire or anger follow that ancient dharma. This law, established by authority, is honored by the great sages and is still revered among the northern Kurus—a law that brings favor to women. He observed that fire is never sated with wood, nor the vast ocean with rivers; Death is never satisfied with all beings, nor are women with men. The desire of women, he said, is directed toward every man, and for women, there is no such thing as forbidden union. Whether it is a son, grandson, or even a brother, when a woman sees a man in private, her womb is stirred. This is natural for women, not caused by any external reason, though this custom did not last long in the world. He promised to explain in detail how this custom was established, naming the great sage Uddālaka as its origin, as had been heard from tradition. Thus, the story reveals the glory of Vyushitasva, the devotion of Bhadra, and the ancient customs of dharma, as remembered by sages and passed down through generations.