From the mighty lineage of the Daityas were born Anuhrāda, Hrāda, and the renowned Prahrāda, each distinguished by their strength and valor. Saṃhrāda, another scion of this line, became the father of three sons: Āyuṣmān, Śivi, and the notable Bāṣkala. Bali, famed among the Daityas, fathered a hundred sons, with Vāṇa, the eldest, standing out among them, O bull-bannered one! In this illustrious family, Utkura, Śakuni, and Bhūtasantāpana were also born. From Danu, the revered mother of many, emerged sons such as Dvimūrdhā and Śaṃkara. Among her other children were Ekacakra, strong of arm, and Tāraka, famed for his great might. These, along with the powerful Vipracitti, were counted among the most renowned sons of Danu. Among the noble maidens, Upadānavī and Hayaśirā shone with fame. Both these illustrious women became the wives of the sage Marīci. To Marīci were also born two daughters, Paulomā and Kālakañjā, who became known for their own qualities. The lineage continued with Vyaṃśa, Śalya of great strength, and Nabhas, who was mighty indeed. Añjaka, Naraka, Kāla, and Nābha were also born—six sons of great strength, all said to be the children of Tāmrā. Among the birds, Śukī gave birth to the parrots, while Ulūkī brought forth the owls. Sugrivi became the mother of many groups of birds, pure and aquatic. Vinatā, another celebrated mother, gave birth to two illustrious sons: Garuda, the mighty, and Aruṇa, both renowned in all the worlds. The Kādraveyas, born of Kadrū, were serpents—a thousand in number, all of them possessed of immense strength. Among these serpents were Śaṅkha, Śveta, Mahāpadma, Kambala, and Aśvatara. Know that this entire group, fanged and formidable, was ever under the sway of anger. Surabhi, the gentle mother, gave birth to cows and buffaloes, nourishing the world. From her also came birds, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, sages, and Apsarases, each filling their own place in creation. Among the gods, there were forty-nine Maruts, the storm deities, each powerful and resplendent. Ekaśukra, Dviśukra, and Triśukra were counted among the strong, as were Mita, Samita, and Sumita. Atimitra, Amitra, Dūramitra, and Ajita likewise stood out for their might, while Vidhāraṇa and Durmedhā formed a notable pair. Etena, Prasadṛkṣa, and Surata were known for their great austerity. Others included Nādi, Ugra, Dhvani, Bhāsa, Vimukta, Vikṣipa, and Saha. The group named Udveṣaṇa belonged to the seventh division of Vāyu, the wind god. In those days, Surya and his retinue, along with the Manus and other great beings, all worshipped Hari, the Supreme Lord. At this, a question arose: “Tell me, O wise one, about the worship of Surya and others, as performed by Svāyambhuva Manu and the rest.” The sacred rites were then described, beginning with the invocation of the Sun and the planets: “Om, salutations to the seat of Surya; Om, hrām hrīm saḥ, salutations to Surya; Om, salutations to Maṅgala; Om, salutations to Śukra; Om, salutations to Rahu; Om, salutations to Teja and Caṇḍa.” The worship proceeded with offerings: the seat for the deity, the invocation, water for washing the feet, the arghya offering, and water for sipping. There was the lighting of the lamp, the respectful salutation, and circumambulation, followed by the ritual dismissal. The worship of Śiva was performed with mantras: “Om hrām, obeisance to Śiva; Om hrām, obeisance to the heart; Om hrūm, to the topknot, vaṣaṭ; Om hraum, to the three eyes, vauṣaṭ; Om hrām, obeisance to Sadyojāta; Om hrūm, obeisance to Aghora; Om hraum, obeisance to Īśāna; Om hraum, obeisance to the gurus; Om hraum, obeisance to Caṇḍa.” Similarly, Vāsudeva and his expansions were worshipped: “Om, obeisance to the seat of Vāsudeva; Om aṃ om, obeisance to the blessed Vāsudeva; Om aṃ om, obeisance to the blessed Pradyumna; Om, obeisance to Nārāyaṇa; Om hrām, obeisance to Viṣṇu; Om bhūḥ om, obeisance to the blessed Varāha; Om jaṃ khaṃ raṃ, obeisance to Sudarśana; Om vaṃ laṃ maṃ kṣaṃ, obeisance to Pāñcajanya; Om gaṃ ḍaṃ vaṃ saṃ, obeisance to Puṣṭi; Om saṃ daṃ laṃ, obeisance to Śrīvatsa; Om, obeisance to the gurus; Om, obeisance to Viṣvaksena.” With these mantras, O bearer of the bull-banner, one should offer the seat and all other items to Hari, the Supreme Lord. Sarasvatī, the goddess of wisdom, was also invoked: “Om hrīm, obeisance to Sarasvatī; Om hrīm, obeisance to the head; Om hraim, to the armor; Om hrah, to the missile.” To her were offered faith, prosperity, art, intelligence, satisfaction, nourishment, radiance, and understanding. Obeisance was given to the guardian of the field and to the supreme gurus. The seat and other offerings were arranged for Sarasvatī, who is ever seated on a lotus. Thus, in this way, the worship of the gods and the great ones was performed, according to the ancient tradition, with reverence and devotion.