From the noble lineage of Anenas arose Kakutstha, and from him came Prithu, whose memory endures in the hearts of the wise. Prithu’s son was Vishtrarashva, from whom Ardra was born. Ardra’s own son was Yuvanashva, and after him came Shravasta, a king renowned among the brahmins. It was King Shravasta who gave his name to the great city of Shravasti, which he founded. Shravasti’s heir was the illustrious Brihadashva, and to him was born Kuvalashva, a king of supreme righteousness. It was this Kuvalashva who, after slaying the dreadful demon Dhundhu, became famed by the title ‘Dhundhumara,’ the destroyer of Dhundhu. O wise ones, the sages then expressed their desire to hear the full account of this great deed—how Kuvalashva slew Dhundhu and earned his immortal title. Know that Kuvalashva was blessed with a hundred sons, all mighty archers, skilled in every science, strong, and nearly invincible. They were righteous, devoted to sacrifice, and generous in their gifts. In his wisdom, Brihadashva installed his son Kuvalashva upon the throne, transferring to him the royal fortune before himself retiring to the forest. As Brihadashva was departing, the sage Uttanka approached him and spoke: “O king, you must undertake the duty of protection, for only you are capable. I cannot perform my austerities in peace, for near my hermitage in the level region of Marudhanva lies a sand-filled sea called Uddalaka. Beneath that sand dwells a being invulnerable even to the gods, vast in form and strength, hidden from sight. He is Dhundhu, the son of the rakshasa Madhu—a mighty demon engaged in fierce austerities, intent on the destruction of the worlds.” “At the end of each year, when Dhundhu exhales, the earth trembles where he lies. His breath raises a storm of dust that obscures the sun, and for seven days the earth quakes. Sparks, embers, and dreadful smoke fill the air, making it impossible for me to remain in my hermitage. For the welfare of the worlds, O king, you must slay this great-bodied demon. Only you possess the strength for this deed. Long ago, Vishnu granted me a boon: whoever slays this fierce and mighty demon, to him shall my energy be revealed, for Dhundhu cannot be overcome by lesser power, not even in a hundred ages.” Hearing these words, the royal sage Brihadashva replied, “O venerable one, I have laid down my weapons, but my son Kuvalashva, without doubt, shall become the slayer of Dhundhu.” Thus, having appointed his son to this mighty task, Brihadashva, steadfast in his vows, departed for the mountains. Kuvalashva, powerful and resolute, set out with his hundred sons and the sage Uttanka to destroy Dhundhu. By the command of Uttanka and for the welfare of the worlds, the blessed Lord Vishnu entered Kuvalashva, filling him with divine energy. As this unconquerable hero set forth, a great sound arose in the heavens: “Today, this glorious one, Dhundhumara, will become invulnerable.” The gods showered him with celestial fragrances and garlands, and the sound of divine drums resounded in the sky. Kuvalashva, foremost among the victorious, advanced with his valiant sons and began to dig into the endless sand. As they dug, Dhundhu was revealed, blocking the western direction, hidden beneath the earth. Enraged, the demon spewed fire from his mouth, as if overturning the worlds, and unleashed torrents of water like the rising ocean. From the tumult of waves and mud, a hundred sons of Kuvalashva perished, save for three, burned by the demon’s fury. Then the radiant king Kuvalashva, destroyer of Dhundhu, approached the mighty rakshasa. Being a yogi, he absorbed the force of the water by his yoga, subduing fire with water. By his strength, the king slew the great-bodied, water-dwelling demon. His task accomplished, he presented himself before Uttanka. In gratitude, Uttanka granted Kuvalashva a boon: inexhaustible wealth, unconquered by any enemy. He also bestowed upon him unending delight in righteousness, eternal residence in heaven, and for his sons who had perished, everlasting worlds in heaven. Of his sons, three survived: the eldest, Dṛḍhāśva, and the younger two, Candrāśva and Kapilāśva. From Dṛḍhāśva, son of Dhundhumara, was born Haryaśva; Haryaśva’s son was Nikumbha, ever devoted to the duties of a kshatriya. Nikumbha’s son was Saṃhatāśva, skilled in battle, and Saṃhatāśva’s sons were Akṛśāśva and Kṛśāśva. He also had a daughter, Dṛṣadvatī, famed among the virtuous throughout the three worlds. Her son was Prasenajit. Prasenajit married Gaurī, who was devoted to her husband, but, cursed by him, she became the river Bāhudā. Thus, the noble line of Kuvalashva continued, marked by valor, sacrifice, and the blessings of the sages and the gods.