In ancient times, a noble lady gave birth to several illustrious sons: Prājīnagarbha, Vṛṣabha, Vṛka, Vṛkala, and Dhṛti. Among her children was also Indra, who in a previous birth had been known as Udāradhiya. Thus, in the current Manvantara, this lord attained the position of Indra, presiding over the celestial realms. From Ripunjaya was born Ripu, and from Divanjaya came Varāṅgī. This mother also bore Puṣkariṇī, Vāruṇī, and Manu of the distinguished Cākṣuṣa lineage. The account of these births is to be told truthfully and in detail, for it is a matter worthy of skilled exposition. Vāruṇī, in particular, became renowned because of her brother. In the powerful maiden, daughter of Virajas and lord of progeny, were born Agniṣṭuta, Atirātra, and Sudyumna—three among nine sons. From her thigh, Āgneya gave birth to six sons of great brilliance. From Aṅga, whose lineage traced to the sage Atri, was born a son named Vena, the offspring of Sunītha, herself the daughter of Mṛtyu. For the sake of progeny, the sages churned Vena’s right hand, and from this act was produced a son, Pṛthu, famed for his manliness. Pṛthu was born armed with a bow and clad in armor, radiating a fiery brilliance. Pṛthu, the son of Vena and elder among the Kṣatriyas, became the protector of the worlds. In his honor, the skilled Sūtas and Māgadhas were produced, and for the prosperity and livelihood of all beings—gods, seers, serpents, virtuous creatures, mountains, trees, and plants—he gave them milk as they desired, so that their lives were sustained. Thus, by the greatness of Pṛthu’s soul, the earth was first milked. As in ages past, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Gandharvas, and Apsarases each used their own vessels and milkers to obtain their particular forms of milk. All these diverse forms of milk were properly analyzed by the ancient sages, who sought to understand their cause and nature. The path to this knowledge, O Brahman, must be followed with single-minded diligence and attentive listening. This sacred path, however, must never be revealed to those without vows, for it is a secret spoken by the sages, and only the pure-hearted may hear it without envy. One who bows to the Brāhmaṇas and remains untroubled by what is done or undone is worthy to receive this teaching. From the lineage of Atri was born the Prajāpati named Aṅga, himself the son of Sunīthā, Mṛtyu’s daughter. Aṅga performed righteousness to the utmost, but later turned toward desire among the worlds. Eventually, he transgressed the Vedas and scriptures, becoming devoted to unrighteousness. At that time, in the great sacrifices, the gods ceased to drink soma. A cruel vow was made, foreboding destruction: “Sacrifices must be performed for me, offerings must be made to me,” it was declared. Then all the great sages, led by Marīci, addressed him, saying, “Do not act unrighteously; this is not the eternal dharma. You promised before to protect the people.” But Vena, whose mind had become wicked, laughed and, though knowledgeable, spoke with arrogance: “By my power, austerity, and truth, who on earth is equal to me?” Thus unfolded the events, as recorded in the ancient scriptures.