In ancient times, there arose a noble king named Pañcajana, whose son was the mighty Aṃśumān. From Aṃśumān was born Dilīpa, also renowned as Khaṭvāṅga, who, after descending from heaven to earth, lived but for a brief moment. Yet, in that short span, Dilīpa’s resolve, intelligence, and devotion to truth enabled him to conquer the three worlds. His son was the illustrious king Bhagīratha. Bhagīratha, lord among men, achieved the wondrous feat of bringing down Gaṅgā, the most sacred of rivers, guiding her to the sea and even regarding her as his own daughter. Because of this great act, Gaṅgā came to be known as Bhāgīrathī by those who honor the lineage. Bhagīratha’s son, Śruta, became a king of great renown. Śruta’s son was Nābhāga, celebrated for his supreme righteousness, and Nābhāga’s son was Ambarīṣa, who fathered Sindhudvīpa. Sindhudvīpa’s heir was the valiant Ayutajit, whose son was Ṛtuparṇa, famed throughout the lands. Ṛtuparṇa, powerful and a friend to Nala, was skilled in the divine science of dice; his son was Ārtaparṇi, renowned among kings. Ārtaparṇi’s son was Sudāsa, a king and companion of Indra, and Sudāsa’s son was Saudāsa. This Saudāsa, also known as Kalmāṣapāda and Mitrasaha, became widely famed, and his son was Sarvakarman. Sarvakarman’s son was the celebrated Anaraṇya, whose son was Nighna. Nighna had two sons, Anamitra and Raghu, both eminent among kings. Anamitra’s son was the learned king Dilīpa, whose own son was also named Dilīpa, the great-grandfather of Rāma. From this Dilīpa was born Raghu, famed for his long arms. In the city of Ayodhyā, there lived the mighty king Aja, of the Rāghava line, and from Aja was born Daśaratha. From Daśaratha came Rāma, righteous and greatly renowned, whose son was Kuśa. From Kuśa was born Atithi, famed for his righteousness, and his son was the valiant Niṣadha. Niṣadha’s son was Nala, and from Nala came Nabha; Nabha’s son was Puṇḍarīka, and from him was remembered Kṣemadhanvan. Kṣemadhanvan’s son was the powerful Devānīka, and from Devānīka was born the lord Ahīnaga. Ahīnaga’s heir was Sudhanvan, who fathered the king Śala. Śala’s son was Ukya, righteous by nature; Ukya’s son was Vajranābha, and Vajranābha’s son was Nala, great-souled and illustrious. It is said that there are two Nalas of great renown in ancient tradition: one the son of Vīrasena, and the other a scion of the Ikṣvāku dynasty. All these kings, foremost among those born in the Ikṣvāku dynasty, are chiefly proclaimed as belonging to the radiant lineage of Vivasvat, the Sun. Whoever faithfully recites the account of Vivasvat’s creation—the Sun, honored in ancestral rites, nourisher of all beings—attains union with Vivasvat himself, blessed with abundant offspring. Now, hear of another illustrious lineage. The father of Soma, the Moon, was the venerable sage Atri, who was first born from the mind of Brahmā when the Creator resolved to bring forth beings. In ancient times, Atri performed the supreme austerity called Anuttara for three thousand divine years. From his penance, his seed ascended and became Soma. At that time, water flowed from Atri’s eyes in ten streams, illuminating the directions. By divine ordinance, ten goddesses took up this embryo and attempted to bear it, but they could not sustain its power. Unable to hold it, the goddesses abandoned the embryo, which then fell to the earth in all directions. Seeing Soma fallen, Brahmā, the Grandsire of the worlds, placed him upon a chariot for the welfare of all beings. As Soma lay there, the gods, the sons of Brahmā, and other eminent sages praised Atri’s son, the supreme self. In response to their hymns, Soma’s radiant energy nourished all the worlds in every direction. With that foremost chariot, Soma circled the earth, bounded by the ocean, thrice seven times, making auspicious circumambulations. The energy he displayed entered the very earth, and from it arose the herbs by which the world is sustained. Having regained his vigor through praise and his own deeds, the blessed Soma performed austerity, desiring the vision of the divine Lotuses. Then Brahmā, foremost among knowers of Brahman, granted him sovereignty over seeds, herbs, the Brahmins, and the waters. With this great sovereignty, Soma, gentle and foremost among beings, performed the Rājasūya sacrifice, giving a hundred thousand gifts. It is said that Soma gave the three worlds as gifts to the chief Brahmarshis and officiating priests. On that occasion, Hiranyagarbha (Brahmā) and Bhrigu became the officiating priests, and Hari himself was present, surrounded by many sages. Nine goddesses—Sinī, Kuhū, Dyuti, Puṣṭi, Prabhā, Vasu, Kīrti, Dhṛti, and Lakṣmī—served Soma. Having performed the foremost Avabhṛtha rite, honored by all gods and sages, Soma shone as the king of kings, his radiance illuminating the ten directions.