O Shaunaka, listen as the lineage of serpents is recounted: among them are Ananta, Vasuki, Kaliya, and Dhananjaya; also Mahapadma, Shanku, Shankha, and Samvarana; Goksha, Gokarmuka, Virupadi, and many others. Among these is Manasa, the maiden goddess born from a portion of Kamala, whose husband is Jaratkaru, himself from the line of Narayana. It is said that by merely uttering the names of these serpents, men become free from fear of snakes. Vainateya and Aruṇa, the two sons, stand equal in valor to Vishnu. Among cows and buffaloes, the foremost are those descended from Surabhi. Then come the Danavas, born in the lineage of Danu, and others of common birth. Now, hear the names of the wives of the Moon: Ashvini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purvaphalguni, Uttaraphalguni, Jyestha, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Purvabhadrapada, Uttarabhadrapada, and Revati. These beloved wives, with constant affection, brought the Moon under their sway. All the sisters, honored, spoke to their father Daksha. Angered, Daksha cursed the Moon with a mantra, and day by day, the Moon wasted away, afflicted with consumption and distress. Seeking refuge, the Moon approached Shankara, who beheld him with compassion. Shiva freed the Moon from his suffering and placed him upon his own forehead, thus earning the name Chandrashekhara, the one who bears the Moon on his crest. When their husband was freed, Daksha’s daughters wept again, falling down and striking their bodies in grief. They cried out to their father, “May we have good fortune, for our virtuous husband is gone. When the eye remains open, the world appears as darkness. For women, the husband alone is their path, their life, and their wealth. For women, Narayana is the husband; their vow and eternal duty is the husband. Bathing in all sacred waters, giving gifts at sacrifices, worship of the gods, fasting, and all forms of austerity—among all relatives, the son is most dear to women. A woman born in a wicked lineage always hates her husband. Whether fallen, sick, evil, poor, or lacking virtue, whether possessing qualities or devoid of them, she who hates and abandons her husband is eaten day and night by insects and creatures like dogs. For ten million births she becomes a vulture, for a hundred births a pig, and then, if her previous actions allow, she may obtain human birth. “O son of the creator,” they pleaded, “grant us the gift of a beloved, fulfilling our desires.” Hearing their words, Daksha approached Shiva. Having granted the blessing, Daksha spoke to the compassionate one, saying, “For my daughters, the husband is supremely dear—even dearer than life itself.