In the sacred land, the city of Dvāravatī was built—a splendid place adorned with many gates and protected by the noble Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas, all under the leadership of Vasudeva. It was here that Raivata, having realized the truth, entrusted his daughter Revati, also known as Subhadrā, to Baladeva, the mighty Rāma. After giving his daughter in marriage, Raivata ascended to the summit of Meru to practice austerity, while Rāma, pure in soul, rejoiced happily with Revati. A question arose: after so many ages had passed, how was it that old age did not overcome Revati and Raivata Kakudmin? And how did the lineage of Śaryāti continue on earth after Raivata had departed for Meru? The answer was revealed: in Brahmā's world, where the sinless Kakudmin resided, there is no old age, hunger, thirst, or death, nor does the cycle of seasons prevail. Eventually, Raivata went to the heavenly world. Kuśasthalī, the ancient city, was taken by both the virtuous and the Rākṣasas. The noble soul who ruled there had a hundred brothers. When the Rākṣasas began to slay them, these unconquered ones scattered in all directions, and the hundred brothers were dispersed. Their lineage continued here and there, and these descendants became renowned as the Śaryātas. These Kṣatriyas, endowed with virtue and great energy, became famous throughout the world, entering every region. Among them, the two sons of Nābhāga and Ariṣṭa, though born as Vaiśyas, attained the status of Brāhmaṇas. The Kāruṣas, descendants of Karūṣa, were fierce Kṣatriyas in battle. Pṛṣadhra, having slain his teacher's cow, was cursed and became a Śūdra. Thus, these nine lineages were recounted. The daughter of Vaivasvata Manu was born, and from Manu's sneeze, Ikshvaku emerged as his son. Ikshvaku had a hundred sons, renowned for their generosity. Among them, Vikukshi was the eldest, and because of his act of eating, he was called Vikukshi. This lord, well-versed in the highest dharma, became ruler of Ayodhya, and his sons, led by Shakuni, numbered five hundred. Forty-eight mighty sons protected the northern regions, and likewise forty-eight guarded the south. Others, headed by Vashati, served as protectors as well. Ikshvaku instructed Vikukshi to bring meat for the śrāddha after hunting, but the rite had not yet been performed. Vikukshi, having eaten a hare, went hunting, and at the word of the sage Vasiṣṭha, Ikshvaku cast him off. When Ikshvaku passed away, Vikukshi—now called Shashada—became king. His heir was the mighty Kakutstha, who descended from Anenas. From Anenas came Prithu, whose son was Vishtrarashva, and from him, Ardra was born. Ardra's son was Yuvanashva, and his son was Shravasta. King Shravastaka, in turn, founded the city of Shravasti. Shravasti's heir was the great king Brihadashva, whose son Kuvalashva was a king of supreme righteousness. Kuvalashva, after slaying the demon Dhundhu, earned the title 'Dhundhumara.' Desiring to hear the true story of Dhundhu's slaying and how Kuvalashva gained his title, the sages listened. Kuvalashva had a hundred sons, all excellent archers, skilled in every science, strong and difficult to overcome. They were righteous, performed sacrifices, and were generous with gifts. Brihadashva installed his son Kuvalashva as king, then renounced his royal fortune and entered the forest. As he departed, the sage Uttanka stopped him. Uttanka implored, "You must undertake protection, O king, for I cannot practice austerities without anxiety. Near my hermitage, in the level Marudhanva region, lies a sand-filled sea called Uddalaka. There dwells, beneath the earth and hidden within the sand, a being of immense body and strength, invulnerable even to the gods—a vast form." He continued, "This is Dhundhu, the son of the Rākṣasa Madhu—a great demon who lies there undertaking fierce austerity for the destruction of the worlds. At the end of each year, when he exhales, the earth trembles. His breath raises a great cloud of dust, covering the sun's path, and for seven days the earth quakes. Sparks, embers, and dreadful smoke fill the air, making it impossible for me to remain at my hermitage." Uttanka urged, "Slay this great-bodied one for the welfare of the worlds. If you destroy him today, peace will return. Only you, O lord of earth, are capable of killing him. In a previous age, Viṣṇu granted me a boon: whoever slays this fierce and mighty demon, to him I shall reveal my energy. Dhundhu, of great brilliance, cannot be consumed by lesser energy—not even in a hundred ages. His power is immense, difficult even for the gods to overcome." Thus, addressed by the great-souled Uttaṅka, the royal sage Brihadashva offered his son Kuvalashva for the destruction of Dhundhu, entrusting him with the task for the welfare of the worlds.