O virtuous one, you have inquired about the sacred vessels used by the ancient ones, the many varieties of calf’s milk, and the order of those who milked the cows. You have also asked about the reason why, in ages past, the hand of Vena was churned by the great sages, angered by his actions. Listen now, as I recount in detail the wondrous story of Pṛthu, son of Vena. Attend closely and with a pure mind, for hearing this tale brings great merit. Know, O best of the twice-born, that this account is not to be shared with the impure, the small-minded, the undisciplined, the ungrateful, or those who are hostile. This narrative is heavenly, bestows fame, long life, and prosperity, and is sanctioned by the Vedas themselves. It is a secret teaching of the sages—listen as it truly is. Whoever recites the story of Pṛthu, son of Vena, after bowing to the brāhmaṇas, will not grieve for deeds done or left undone. In ancient times, there was a protector of righteousness, a lord among men, equal to the great sage Atri, and born in his lineage. His name was Aṅga, a Prajāpati. To him was born a son named Vena, through Sunīthā, daughter of Death. Vena, however, was not well-versed in righteousness. Because of the faults inherited from his mother’s line—the daughter of Time—Vena turned away from his duty, giving himself over to desire and greed. As king, Vena broke the bounds of righteousness, ignoring the laws of the Veda and embracing unrighteousness. Under his rule, the people ceased to recite the sacred svādhyāya or utter the vashat call; the gods received no soma, and sacrificial offerings were neglected. Vena, in his cruelty, resolved that there should be no more sacrifices or offerings, as destruction loomed. He declared, “I am the worship, the worshipper, and the sacrifice itself. All sacrifice must be performed for me, and offerings made to me alone.” The great sages, led by Marīchi, seeing that Vena had overstepped all bounds, addressed him, saying, “We shall undertake vows for many years; do not act unrighteously, O Vena, for this is the eternal law. You were born at the death of Atri and are lord of creatures. I will protect the people—such was the agreement made here.” Yet Vena, lacking discernment, laughed at the sages and replied with harsh words, “Who else is the creator of righteousness? Whose words should I heed? Who among men is equal to me in learning, heroism, austerity, and truth? You are deluded, for you do not know my true nature as the origin of all beings and of righteousness itself. If I wished, I could burn the earth, flood it, or block the heavens—there is no need for further discussion!” Seeing Vena lost in delusion and pride, and unable to move him from his course, the great sages became wrathful and took action against him. Their anger aroused, they restrained Vena and vigorously churned his left thigh. From this churning arose a man, exceedingly short and dark in complexion. Frightened, he stood before the sages with folded hands. Seeing his distress, Atri said, “Sit down.” Thus, he became the progenitor of the Nishāda lineage and the fishermen, born from Vena’s impurity. Those others who dwell in the Vindhya and on the mountains, delighting in unrighteousness, are also tainted by Vena’s sin. Then, with their wrath still aflame, the great sages churned Vena’s right hand, as one would churn a fire-stick. From that hand arose Pṛthu, radiant and blazing like fire, shining with his own splendor, as if Agni himself had appeared. Pṛthu took up the great-sounding bow named Ajagava, along with divine arrows for protection and a radiant armor. At his birth, all beings everywhere rejoiced, and the illustrious Vena was released from his sins and ascended to heaven. By the birth of this noble son, Vena was saved from the hell named Put. Then, the oceans and rivers themselves approached, bringing all kinds of jewels and waters for Pṛthu’s consecration. The blessed Grandfather, together with the gods, the Angirases, and all beings—moving and unmoving—were present. They assembled and anointed the son of Vena as king of men with the great royal consecration, and all the people were pleased by him. Thus, consecrated with proper rites by those skilled in dharma, mighty Pṛthu, son of Vena, became the sovereign of kings. The subjects, once displeased with his father, were won over by Pṛthu’s virtue and affection; from their love, he became known simply as “the king.” As he approached the ocean, the waters held back for him; the mountains made a path, and no banners were broken. The earth yielded crops without plowing, food was produced by mere thought, cows granted every wish, and honey was found in every hollow. At that auspicious time, during the ancestral sacrifice, a wise Sūta was born on the day of the Sūti rite. In that great sacrifice, a learned Māgadha was also born, and both were summoned by the great sages to sing the praises of Pṛthu.