Hear now the wondrous account of the origin of the worlds and the establishment of their laws of righteousness. In the beginning, the source of all creation and dissolution acted without hesitation or need for deliberation, for such is the nature of supreme authority. In time, the great sages became incensed by the unrighteousness of King Vena. Their anger grew fierce, and, to restrain him, they performed a powerful act: they churned his left hand with great wrath. From this churning emerged a man—exceedingly short and dark in complexion. Seeing his confusion and distress, the sages instructed him gently, saying, “Sit down.” From the impurity of Vena, this being went on to produce the race of fishermen. Know that those born of Vena’s impurity were inclined toward unrighteous ways. Still filled with righteous indignation, the sages churned once more, as one churns fire-sticks to kindle a flame. This time, from their intense effort, a noble being was born from Vena’s palm. Because of his origin, he was named Prithu. At his birth, Prithu seized the primordial bow called Ajagava, whose sound echoed mightily across the worlds. All beings rejoiced at the advent of this great soul. A royal sage had arisen, endowed with a noble son. The rivers and oceans themselves brought forth all manner of jewels to honor him. The blessed Pitamaha, together with Angiras and the assembly of gods, gathered and anointed this descendant of Vena as king. Thus was the great king Prithu consecrated by the sons of Angiras among the gods. The people, who had previously been estranged from their father, were now won over by Prithu’s virtue and leadership. As Prithu approached the ocean, the waters themselves restrained him, acknowledging his sovereignty. Under his rule, the earth yielded crops without the need for plowing; food was produced by mere thought. At that auspicious time, as Prithu performed a grand sacrifice, the Māgadha was born anew. When the assembled beings gathered, Māgadha arose from their midst and was thus named. Prithu offered oblations to Indra according to the divine rite, and from this, the charioteer was also born. In the course of these sacred offerings, that which was mixed with the disciple’s oblation overcame the teacher’s, and that which arose from the warrior in a Brahmin woman was of inferior birth. Thus, the middle duty of the charioteer was established—livelihood from the field. For Prithu’s sake, those two—the Māgadha and the charioteer—were summoned there by the great sages. Their actions were fitting, and Prithu was recognized as the proper recipient of their service. “We shall please the gods and sages by our own actions,” they declared. The radiant twice-born asked, “By what hymn might we praise this king?” For Prithu was wise, virtuous, generous in speech, and undefeated in battle. The mighty Prithu performed many great deeds thereafter. At the culmination of his sacrifices and acts, Prithu, lord of the people, gave with great satisfaction. From that time onward, rulers of the earth have been praised by charioteers and Māgadhas. Seeing Prithu, the people and great sages spoke with utmost delight. Then, O illustrious one, the people rushed toward Vainya, eager for his guidance. Pursued by the people, he sought always to act for their welfare. But the Earth, terrified by Vainya’s power and resolve, assumed the form of a cow and fled. Out of fear, she journeyed through all the worlds, even to the realm of Brahma himself. Thus unfolds the story of Prithu’s birth and the restoration of righteousness upon the earth.