By intention of mind, by spoken word, and by their own actions, beings shaped their destinies. From these efforts arose lifespan, intelligence, strength, beauty, health, and righteousness. Seeing this, Brahmā established for them the system of varṇas and āśramas, setting forth the order of society and the stages of life. Yet, conflict arose among the beings, and they once again approached Manu for guidance. Manu, meditating deeply, begot two sons in Śatarūpā, and from that time onward, kings emerged—those who bore the rod of punishment and upheld justice. These rulers were entrusted with the task of restraining hidden sins, those transgressions beyond the reach of ordinary human authority. It was in the Tretā age that the divisions of the varṇas were proclaimed, and the gods themselves initiated the performance of sacrifices. Together with Viśvabhuj and mighty Indra, king of the gods, they set the sacrificial rites into motion. In that age, truth, recitation, austerity, and giving were upheld as the dharma—the righteous way. Heroes were born in the Tretā age, long-lived and possessing great strength. They were distinguished by eyes elongated like lotus petals, broad chests, and well-built bodies. Among them were bearers of great bows, universal emperors who ruled over all in that era. Tradition speaks of the arms as nyagrodha, and a span is also called nyagrodha. When height and breadth are equal, it is known as the nyagrodha circle. Seven jewels belonged to all universal emperors: the banner and seven treasures, which, when lifeless, are so called. The horse, the elephant, and seven kinds of living beings are mentioned as part of their wealth. Fourteen treasures are prescribed for all emperors. Throughout all Manvantaras, both past and future, these emperors are born in the Tretā age. They possess four exceedingly wondrous qualities: strength, righteousness, happiness, and wealth. Along with these come prosperity, righteousness, desire, fame, and victory. By their learning and austerity, they surpass even the sages. These emperors are born with distinctive bodily and human marks: copper-hued lips and eyes, the mark of Śrīvatsa, and radiant hair. Their bodies have the girth of a banyan tree, lion-like shoulders, and prominent genitalia. On their feet are signs of wheels and fish; on their hands, the marks of conch and lotus. Among them, four emperors possess qualities that are unattached and pure. Sacrifice, giving, austerity, and truth are regarded as righteousness in the Tretā age. To establish boundaries and maintain order, the rule of punishment was enacted. The single Veda, divided into four parts, is remembered as the knowledge of the Tretā age. Surrounded by sons and grandsons, these emperors pass away in due order. The twilight period retains its own nature and is known by the name 'Saṃ.' Now, tell me, as it truly was, about the creation in the earlier Svāyambhuva epoch: when the period known as Kālī had ended and the Tretā Yuga arrived, and when the established order was restored. Those devoted to the householder stage gathered the necessary materials—how then was the sacrifice commenced? How, at the beginning of the Tretā Yuga, did the performance of sacrifice come to be established?