The gods, troubled by the ever-growing Vindhya mountain that threatened to block the path of the sun, approached the sage Agastya and said, “O sage, with your ascetic power and radiant glory, restrain the growth of that mountain. Surely, by your presence alone, Agastya, Vindhya will be humbled. This is the task we ask of you.” When Agastya, the sage born from the pot, accepted this charge, all the gods rejoiced greatly. Their hearts filled with relief, for they knew the power of Agastya’s tapas. After expressing their gratitude and following the sage’s words, the gods returned to their celestial abodes. Agastya then turned to his wife, the royal maiden Lopāmudrā, and addressed her with gentle concern. “O princess,” he said, “an obstacle has arisen, bringing misfortune. The Vindhya mountain, by blocking the sun’s path, has created this impediment. I have understood the cause and recalled an ancient saying, spoken by the seers who know the truth, about the holy city of Kāśī: ‘Avimukta should never be abandoned by those who seek liberation; yet, even for the virtuous who dwell in Kāśī, obstacles may arise.’ Beloved, such an obstacle has come to me while residing in Kāśī.” Having spoken thus to his wife, the great ascetic bathed at Maṇikarṇikā, the sacred bathing place, and beheld the Lord of the Universe, mighty Daṇḍapāṇi. He worshipped the Lord and then approached King Kāla, the personification of Time. “O King Kāla, mighty-armed, remover of fear for devotees,” Agastya prayed, “why do you, O Lord, distance yourself from the city of Kāśī? You are the destroyer of obstacles for those who dwell here, the protector of devotees. Why do you distance me, your servant, from this sacred place? I have not spoken ill, nor slandered, nor lied; by what karma do you send me away from Kāśī?” Thus praying to Kālanātha, the sage went on to Sākṣivighneśa, the Lord who removes all obstacles. There, Agastya worshipped and prayed with devotion. Having completed his prayers, the illustrious sage, accompanied by Lopāmudrā, departed from Kāśī, his heart heavy with the pain of separation. Yet, as he journeyed southward, he constantly remembered Kāśī, holding its sacredness close. Mounted upon the vehicle of his ascetic power, Agastya traveled swiftly, and in but half a moment, he stood before the mighty Vindhya, which now towered high and blocked the sky. The mountain, seeing the sage standing before it, trembled and swiftly began to lower itself, as if wishing to touch the earth in humility. With great devotion, Vindhya fell to the ground in full prostration before Agastya. With a cheerful countenance, Agastya spoke to the mountain, “Child, remain here just as you are until I return. I am unable to climb your lofty peak, dear one.” With these words, the sage, intent on his southern journey, began to cross the mountain. Ascending and descending its peaks one by one, Agastya proceeded southward, beholding the sacred Śrīśaila along his way. Eventually, he reached Mount Malaya, where he devoted himself to ascetic practice. At that time, the Goddess, worshipped by Manu, came to dwell at Vindhya. She became renowned throughout the worlds as Vindhyavāsinī, the Dweller in Vindhya. Sūta then said, “This is the supreme and excellent story, O Śaunaka, a tale that destroys enemies. The story of Agastya and Vindhya mountain destroys sin, grants victory to kings, and increases knowledge among the twice-born. It bestows grain and wealth upon merchants, happiness upon servants, and fulfills the desires of all: one who seeks righteousness attains it, one who seeks wealth attains wealth, and one who desires pleasures attains them. By hearing this story even once with devotion, all these blessings are obtained.” Thus, Svāyambhuva Manu worshipped the Goddess with devotion, and by her grace, he obtained the sovereignty of the earth and his own epoch as Manu. “Gentle one,” Sūta concluded, “I have described to you the story of Manu’s era and the first legend of the blessed Goddess. What more shall I tell you?” At this, Śaunaka asked, “You have described the first and most excellent epoch of Manu. Now tell me of the origin of the other radiant Manus.” Sūta replied, “Having heard of the origin of the first Manu, Svāyambhuva, you now wish to know of the others in succession. Nārada, the supreme knower and expert in the truth of the Goddess, once asked, ‘O eternal one, tell me of the origin of the Manus.’ Śrī Nārāyaṇa answered, ‘The first Manu is called Svāyambhuva, O great sage, who, by worshipping the Goddess, obtained a kingdom free from obstacles. His two mighty sons, Priyavrata and Uttānapāda, were renowned on earth as rulers and protectors of the kingdom. ‘The second Manu is called Svārociṣa by the wise, the illustrious son of Priyavrata, whose valor cannot be measured. That Manu, named Svārociṣa, established his residence on the banks of the Kālindī, bringing joy to all beings. Living on fallen leaves and devoted to austerity, he worshipped the Goddess with devotion, fashioning an image of her from clay. For twelve years, he practiced austerities in the forest, and the Goddess appeared before him, shining with the radiance of a thousand suns. ‘Pleased by the king’s devotion and his supreme hymn, the Lady of the gods granted to Svārociṣa all the powers belonging to the entire Manvantara. The Sustainer of the world became renowned as Tāriṇī, and thus, by worshipping Tāriṇī, Svārociṣa attained the Manvantara. He ruled free from all adversaries, established dharma according to proper rites, and governed the kingdom together with his sons. After enjoying his reign, he departed for the heavenly realm at the end of his Manvantara. The third Manu, named Uttama, was also a son of Priyavrata.’ Thus, the glorious stories of the Manus and the blessings of the Goddess continued, shining as beacons for all who seek righteousness, knowledge, and liberation.