Understand, then, that all these events—unfolding in the distant past and those yet to come—are to be known here. In the lineage of the great King Pṛthu, two valiant sons were born, each blessed with extraordinary powers. From Havirdhāna and Dhiṣaṇā, the daughter of Agni, sons also came into being. Among these descendants, Prācīnabarhis shone with particular splendor, rising to become a great lord of creatures. He was given the name Prācīnabarhis because, during his sacred rituals, he always laid his holy grass facing east. When he completed his profound austerities, the lord of creatures was born from Savarṇā. All of his sons, renowned as the Pracetas, became masters of the science of archery. For ten thousand years, these Pracetas remained deep within the waters of the ocean, absorbed in their penance. During this time, with no one to watch over the earth, the trees grew rampant and unchecked, causing a decline in living beings. The trees grew so dense that the wind itself could not move, and the sky was blocked from view. When the Pracetas, engaged in their austerities, learned of this imbalance, they emerged and began to uproot the trees. The wind, now able to move, dried up the fallen trees. But as the destruction continued and only a few branches remained, the Pracetas realized the deeper purpose behind the world’s balance and the need for creation to continue. A voice of wisdom declared: “Let trees be born again upon the earth. Let the fire and wind be calmed, for the next generation is already held within my womb. This woman, who carries Soma within her and has been cared for, should become your wife. From her will be born a wise and capable Prajapati named Daksha. He, brilliant as Agni, will further increase creation. Having restrained his anger toward the trees, he will accept Māriṣā as his wife in righteousness. From Māriṣā and the ten Pracetas, Prajapati Daksha will be born.” In the beginning, Daksha created beings by the power of his mind alone, and later, through union. Having first brought forth creation mentally, Daksha then produced women. Of these, he gave twenty-seven—each embodying a movement of time—to the Moon. He also gave two to Bahuputra and two to Angiras. The interval between the age of Cākṣuṣa and that of Manu is known as the sixth Manvantara. In this time, Vasudevas, birds, cows, serpents, Dānavas, and the sons of Diti were created. It is said that the earliest beings came into existence through will, vision, and touch. The origin of the great-souled Daksha has thus been described. But now, O great ascetic, it is asked: How did you regain your former state? And how did Soma’s grandson attain the state of Śravaśura? Here, the sages and those who possess true knowledge do not rejoice in worldly things. Though they may be restrained, the wise are never deluded. Austerity alone became the greatest means, and power was its cause. One who is blessed with offspring and a long life, having crossed over the trials of this world, is honored in the heavenly realms. Thus, six natural creations, each corresponding to a Manvantara, have passed. These creations have been described by the wise, O best of the twice-born. All these creations of Vivasvat are exactly as stated—neither more nor less. Whoever recites these qualities without malice attains them. Now, hear from me the account of creation, both in summary and in detail.