Distressed and troubled in mind, the two swiftly departed from the presence of Brahma. As they left, their thoughts turned to Pratipa, the son of the Puru lineage, pondering over him and his destiny. Their journey brought them, by chance, to the hermitage of the sage Vasistha, where they found delight in the peaceful surroundings. There, Pratipa’s wife, Dyau, observed the wondrous cow Nandini. Noting her presence, Dyau addressed Nandini, saying, “Listen, beautiful one, you are the cow of Vasistha.” She then foretold that Nandini’s lifespan would be less than ten thousand years, yet she would always remain youthful and radiant. Dyau also spoke of the daughter of the royal sage Ushinara, praised for her supreme beauty, and instructed that the auspicious, wish-granting cow Nandini should be brought to the foremost hermitage. Among all humans, this daughter alone would be free from old age and disease. However, an error occurred: together with the earth and others, one among them disrespected the restrained sage Vasistha, though he was without fault. Acting swiftly, this person came to the hermitage, bringing fruits as an offering. Radiant in appearance, he also hunted in the thickets and forests nearby. Meanwhile, Varuna, by deep meditation, realized that the Vasus had taken the cow, and he understood the full truth of the matter. As a result, it was decreed that all the Vasus would be born among humans, without a doubt. Upon hearing this, the Vasus were overcome with sorrow and departed, hearts heavy with dejection. Seeking refuge and forgiveness, the Vasus approached the sage, striving to appease him. The sage, moved, declared that after one year, they would all be released from the curse. However, Dyau, among them, would have to remain in a human body for a longer time. Afflicted by the curse, all the Vasus bowed and addressed the river, herself troubled in mind. “We are greatly concerned,” they pleaded, “about entering the womb of humans.” They continued, “O faultless one, there is a royal sage named Shantanu; you will become his wife. Through this, our release from the curse shall surely come to pass.” The goddess Ganga, thus invoked and repeatedly contemplated, descended to earth. At that time, there was a royal sage named Shantanu, steadfast in righteousness and truth. From the sacred waters, a woman of exquisite beauty emerged before him. Without hesitation, Shantanu addressed the beautiful woman who sat upon his lap, “O lovely-faced one,” he said, “for what purpose have you come?” The woman, resplendent in form, replied, “For what purpose, O foremost of kings, do you speak to me?” Shantanu, radiant with beauty and youth, answered, “You, O charming one, are seated embracing my right thigh. Become my daughter-in-law, O auspicious one, when a greatly desired son is born to me.” The divine woman agreed, saying, “So be it,” and departed, her form full of passion and grace. In due course, a son was born to them. After these events were narrated, the king again spoke to his son, instructing him, “Desiring her, O splendid one, you should take that enchanting woman. Make her your lawful wife, and you shall indeed be happy.” Thus, with a joyful heart, the king gave this counsel to his son. Having bestowed all royal splendor upon his heir, the king then entered the forest, renouncing worldly life. By his own spiritual power, he abandoned his mortal body and ascended to heaven. The new king, upholding righteousness, protected his subjects with justice and care. Now, regarding the birth of Devavrata: Sūta said, the king was fond of hunting, often slaying tigers and deer. On one occasion, he wandered deep into the dreadful forest along the banks of the sacred Ganges.