In the sacred land of Bhārata, the mere instruction of a mantra has the power to liberate men. Simply by receiving such a mantra, all sins accumulated over millions of births are destroyed. This grace extends not just to oneself, but to sons, wives, disciples, servants, and relatives as well. Yet, if a guru, having gained the trust of his disciples, leads them astray and shows them the wrong path, what kind of teacher is he? What kind of father, master, or son could he be called? O Four-faced Brahmā, once you cursed me without just cause. With armor, hymns, and worship, Manu, steadfast in mind, approached you. And so, O father, for three kalpas you became unworthy of worship among all beings. Your share in sacrifices and vows was lost. Having spoken these words, Nārada fell silent before his father. This came to pass because of Upabarhana the Gandharva, and so Nārada found himself in such a state. Yet, in time, Nārada once again became a great sage. Sauti continued: All the sages, O best of Brahmins, engaged in the act of creation—except for Nārada. From the mind of Marīci was born Kaśyapa, the lord of creatures. From the mind of Pracetas came Gautama. Manu and Śatarūpā had three daughters, and two sons who were delightful to the mind: Priyavrata and Uttānapāda. Manu gave his daughter Ākūti to Ruci and Prasūti to Dakṣa. From Prasūti, by the seed of Dakṣa, sixty daughters were born. Of these, Satī was given to Śiva, and thirteen were given to Kaśyapa. O Brahmin, listen as I recount the names of Dharma’s wives: Śānti, whose son was Santoṣa; Puṣṭi, whose son was the great Mahānabhūta; Kṣamā, whose son was Sahiṣṇu; and Śraddhā, whose son was Dhārmika. From his former wife and from Mūrti were born the sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa. Now, hear attentively the names of Rudra’s wives: Kandalī, Bhīṣaṇā, Rāsnā, Pramocā, Bhūṣaṇā, and Śukī. One of them, devoted and pure, abandoned her body in the sacrificial fire, unable to bear the insult to her husband. Listen now, O righteous one, to the names of Kaśyapa’s beloved wives. Kadrū became the mother of serpents, and Vinatā the mother of birds. Saramā gave birth to the four-footed creatures such as dogs and others. Among the gods are Indra, the twelve Ādityas, Upendra, and others. Jayanta, the son of Indra, was born to Śacī; Viśvakarman was born from the maiden Savarṇā, daughter of Āditya. Śanaiścara and Yama are sons, and Kālindī is a daughter as well. Śaunaka then asked: Please tell me about the mighty one born from Vasundharā. The Sūta replied: Adorned in beautiful attire, unblemished, and radiant in the fullness of youth, she was seen on the lovely Malaya mountain, in a secluded and charming spot amidst tender sandalwood leaves. There, she beheld him—noble and gentle—lying peacefully, with a pleasing smile upon his face. The beautiful-faced one offered him a delightful garland of mālatī flowers. Upendra, knowing her heart and perceiving her longing, saw as she clung to his body and, overcome by desire, fell into a swoon, O virtuous one.