From Anu was born a son named Dharma, and Dharma’s son was Dyūta. Dyūta’s lineage continued with his son Vanaduha, whose own son was Pracetās. Pracetās was blessed with a son named Sucetā. Thus, the noble descendants of Anu were established. Yadu, too, was blessed with five sons, each one radiant and glorious, likened to the sons of the gods themselves. Their names were Sahasrāda, Payoda, Kroṣṭā, Nīla, and Añjika. Among them, Sahasrāda had three illustrious heirs—Haihaya, Haya, and King Veṇuhaya—all supremely righteous and renowned for their virtues. Haihaya’s line continued with his son Dharmanetra, who fathered Kārta. From Kārta came Sāhañja, the king who founded the city of Sāhañjanī. In this illustrious line, Mahiṣmata’s son was the valiant Bhadraśreṇya, famed for his prowess. Bhadraśreṇya’s heir was the celebrated Durdamā, whose wise son was named Kanaka. Kanaka had four sons, each renowned across the world: Kṛtavīrya, Kṛtaujā, Kṛtadhanvan, and Kṛtāgni. Among them, Kṛtavīrya gave rise to the mighty Arjuna, also known as Kārtavīrya. Arjuna, the legendary Kārtavīrya, was he who, endowed with a thousand arms, became lord of the seven continents. Alone, he conquered the earth, riding a chariot that shone with the brilliance of the sun. For ten thousand years, he performed severe austerities—an arduous penance that pleased the great Giver, the Lord Himself. In return for his devotion, Kārtavīrya was granted four resplendent boons, the first and most wondrous being the gift of a thousand arms. Whenever unrighteousness arose, he, the virtuous king, restrained it with unwavering righteousness. Fiercely he conquered the earth, winning renown for his just rule. In battle after battle, he triumphed, slaying thousands of foes. Even as he fought, greater threats of death arose on the battlefield, yet by the power of his yoga, a thousand arms would manifest for him, just as the Lord of Yogis himself might display his divine maya. By his might, Kārtavīrya conquered the entire earth with its seven continents, cities, oceans, and towns. It is said, O best of sages, that this king performed seven hundred grand sacrifices across the seven continents. Each sacrifice was endowed with hundreds of thousands of gifts, with golden posts and golden altars, ever adorned by gods in splendid aerial chariots, accompanied by Gandharvas and Apsarases. At these great sacrifices, the Gandharva Nārada, son of Varida, sang hymns in astonishment at Kārtavīrya’s greatness. Truly, no king could ever attain the path of Kārtavīrya—not by sacrifice, gifts, austerities, valor, nor learning. Clad in armor, sword in hand, bearing bow and arrows, Kārtavīrya was seen by men as he traveled the seven continents in his chariot, endowed with yogic power. During his reign, there was no loss of wealth, no sorrow, nor confusion among his people, for the great king protected all with righteousness. He became the universal emperor, possessor of all jewels, and yet also served as herdsman and field-guard when needed. By his yogic might, he became like Parjanya, the rain-giver. He was Arjuna, whose thousand arms were hardened by the bowstring. He shone with a thousand rays, like the autumn sun, and among men in Mahishmati, he was like a mighty serpent—powerful and awe-inspiring. He conquered the sons of Karkotaka and settled them in his city. O lotus-eyed one, he even checked the speed of the ocean during the rainy season. As if in play, he turned back a swollen river against its current with his mighty arms, plundering the riverbanks lined with villages for sport. The mighty Narmada, with thousands of surging waves, trembled as he hurled the great ocean with his thousand arms. The great serpents dwelling in the netherworld, terrified, hid themselves as Kārtavīrya churned the ocean, scattering waves, fish, and whales. With his thousand arms, he set the waters in motion, foaming and swirling with the wind and whirlpools. Like Mandara Mountain cast into the Ocean of Milk by gods and demons, the ocean was shaken and fearful, as if nectar might emerge. Suddenly, seeing the supreme king, the great serpents sprang up in terror, bowing with unmoving heads. In the evening, like plantain trunks shaken by the wind, Kārtavīrya strung his bow and swiftly shot five arrows. He bewildered Ravana, lord of Lanka, and his army, overpowering and binding him in Mahishmati. When Pulastya, hearing that his descendant Ravana had been bound, came and saw Arjuna, the king released Ravana at Pulastya’s request, showing compassion even to the mighty. Yet, at the end of an age, as thunder cracks or clouds burst, so too did the power of Bhargava—Parashurama—sever Kārtavīrya’s strength in battle, a wondrous and fearsome event. Once, like a golden palm grove, the king of a thousand arms was approached by Citrabhanu, parched with thirst. The generous hero gave alms—bestowing seven islands, the ancient cities of Agni, villages, hamlets, and all his territories. Citrabhanu, desiring to consume them, burned all those lands, but it was only by the power of that great-souled lord of men, Kārtavīrya, that such marvels could come to pass.